Talking Away the Taboo with Dr. Aimee Baron: Recent Episodes
Dr. Aimee Baron
Talking Away the Taboo is the podcast for anyone in the Jewish community struggling to have a child and is seeking a place for emotional support and comfort. It is a show that will help you learn while validating your feelings and processing the hardship and to teach everyone else to be more sensitive.
Each week, Dr. Aimee Baron and her guests will be talking away the taboo of infertility, pregnancy loss, infant loss, surrogacy, adoption and more. Your best friend just had a stillbirth and you don’t know what to say? This is the space for you. We laugh, we cry and we challenge the Jewish community to think differently about a topic that has for so long been shrouded in secrecy and shame.
Join us on the wild, unpredictable, and gut-wrenching journey of creating a family.
Follow I Was Supposed To Have A Baby on Instagram and TikTok at @iwassupposedtohaveababy. To find out more about I Was Supposed To Have A Baby, visit our website at iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
In this episode, Dr. Baron sits down with Haddasa Manela, Co-Founder of Bonei Olam Florida, to talk about her decision to live fully and choose joy in the present moment.
Haddasa opens up about her journey through years of fertility treatments, the stillbirth of her daughter, and a diagnosis of stage II endometriosis, all while continuing to help other families on their own paths to parenthood. She shares her experience navigating difficult comments and setting boundaries in an effort to protect her own healing.
Her story offers powerful insight into what it means to honor your past while still moving forward. This episode is an honest look at how to hold space for healing without putting the rest of your life on hold.
About Haddasa Manuela:
Co-Founder of Bonei Olam Florida
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In this episode, Dr. Baron sits down with Naomi Nachman, a well-known kosher food personality, author, and travel connoisseur, to discuss her personal experience with pregnancy loss from years ago. She shares the story of her second pregnancy, only to discover at a routine five-month checkup that her baby no longer had a heartbeat. This conversation explores the intersection of faith and medical trauma, highlighting Naomi's deep-rooted bitachon (faith) that continues to carry her through life-changing moments.
Naomi Nachman reflects on one of the most painful chapters of her journey: continuing to carry her pregnancy after learning she had lost her baby. She shares how leaning on her faith helped her move through everyday interactions with strength, and how it became a source of peace during an unimaginably difficult time.
If you are carrying a heavy grief from many years ago or navigating the intersection of faith and medical trauma, this episode is for you.
About Naomi Nachman:
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Naomi Nachman moved to New York 34 years ago. After earning her teaching degree from Touro College, she spent many years teaching in both classroom and informal Jewish education settings.
Over the years, Naomi has built a strong personal brand across social media, with an active presence on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp Status. She is widely recognized as a leading kosher food media influencer and has partnered with numerous brands, including Kosher.com, Gefen, Tuscanini, Tropicana, Breakstone's, Ore-Ida, Gourmet Glatt, Manischewitz, Maxwell House, Empire Poultry, Tnuva Dairy, and Prime Nosh.
In addition to her passion for food, Naomi has expanded her brand into travel content. She has visited 58 countries and 48 U.S. states, partnering with companies and destinations such as Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas, Gaya Tours in Iceland, Lebor Tours and Mundo Tours in South America, the Inbal Hotel in Israel, and the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain. Naomi has also led four tours to Israel.
In recent years, Naomi has traveled extensively both personally and professionally, working on Birthright trips, Pesach programs, and summer travel experiences. Alongside her frequent visits to Israel to spend time with her grandchildren, she has explored Asia, Europe, Africa, Central and South America, and Australia. Naomi and her husband have visited 48 states and hope to complete the remaining two states this year.
Naomi currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Kosher River Boat Cruises and will also be leading cooking demonstrations on the company's 2026 sailings through Europe, Japan, and Antarctica.
Naomi is the host of the cooking show Sunny Side Up on the Kosher.com network. She also writes a monthly food and travel column for Mishpacha Magazine titled Off the Eaten Track and has been a contributing editor for The Jewish Home newspaper for the past 15 years, where she shares weekly recipes with readers across the country.
She has appeared as a guest host on QVC and made guest appearances on CBS (New York and Washington), NBC Morning News, Fox 5 New York, and the Hallmark Channel. Naomi has also been quoted in Forbes Magazine and The Wall Street Journal regarding Jewish food trends.
In 2017, Naomi published her debut cookbook, Perfect for Pesach, with Artscroll Publications, followed by her second cookbook, Perfect Flavors, in 2018. Together, her cookbooks have sold more than 28,000 copies.
Naomi is frequently invited to lead cooking demonstrations, book signings, and Kosher Chopped-style cooking competitions around the world, where she shares her enthusiasm and passion for food.
This past Pesach, Naomi worked with Leisure Time Tours at the Phoenix program, where she directed the culinary arts program for guests by leading cooking demonstrations, producing chopped competitions, and overseeing social media marketing.
Naomi's motto in life is: "See the world, one bite at a time."
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In this episode, Dr. Baron sits down with Chaya Hott, Talia Mizrahi, M.S., and Shirel Korobkin, grief educators and support group leaders at I Was Supposed To Have A Baby to discuss the nuances and differences between various types of fertility and pregnancy losses. The conversation explores how all reproductive pain is deeply valid without turning grief into a competition.
Chaya Hott, Talia Mizrahi, M.S., and Shirel Korobkin share their own personal journeys through trauma and grief, including lived experiences with stillbirth, miscarriage, circumstantial infertility and the power of a support network. They open up about the unique challenges tied to different milestones of loss, from the isolation of an unacknowledged early miscarriage to the devastating public reality of a late-stage stillbirth.
Together, they emphasize the importance of talking about pain instead of hiding it, and how finding a community allows you to grieve exactly as you are.
Whether you're grieving right now, healing from a past loss, or supporting someone else through theirs, this episode is for you.
About Chaya Hott:
Chaya Hott is a Certified Grief Educator, trained by renowned expert David Kessler, and a Certified Trauma Coach through Daniel Schonbuch at the Torah Psychology School for Coaching and Counseling. She is also the founder of Jewish Grief Groups supporting bereaved women after the loss of a loved one.
Chaya's mission is deeply personal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she endured the stillbirth of her baby boy, followed by a miscarriage, after a decade of circumstantial infertility. In her darkest moments, Chaya felt lost and alone—until she found the support of IWSTHAB, which carried her through her losses and a subsequent pregnancy with her rainbow baby. Inspired by the lifeline she received, Chaya now helps other women navigate the complexities of grief with compassion and understanding.
Chaya lives in Pomona, NY, with her husband, three children, and one forever in her heart.
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About Talia Mizrahi, M.S:
Talia Mizrahi MS, is a Certified Grief Educator and Grief Care Specialist with experience supporting newly bereaved, miscarriage, termination for medical reasons, and survivors of suicide loss. She is trained as an Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist and a Grief Movement Guide and approaches all her work through a trauma-informed lens. Having experienced infertility and loss, Talia knows the power of connection during our most vulnerable moments. She considers it a privilege to support people throughout the grief journey.
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About Shirel Korobkin:
Shirel Korobkin is a certified grief educator, speaker, and community advocate based in Israel. Having experienced stillbirth, miscarriage, and pregnancy after loss herself, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to supporting those facing infertility and pregnancy loss. Shirel is passionate about helping English-speakers in Israel and abroad find connection, hope, and support during some of life's most difficult moments.
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In this episode, Dr. Aimee Baron sits down with an anonymous Orthodox woman (voice disguised) to explore the intersection of the modern Shidduch (matchmaking) system, prolonged singlehood, and egg freezing.
Through one woman's lived experience, this conversation explores the broader realities that have made egg freezing an increasingly important topic within the Orthodox community. The conversation challenges the common assumptions about why many Orthodox women remain single and offers an honest look at the emotional, practical, and social realities behind prolonged singlehood.
Whether you are single, married, a parent, Rabbi, Shadchan (matchmaker), or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of today's Orthodox dating landscape, this episode offers an eye-opening perspective on a vital and often misunderstood conversation.
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In this episode, Dr. Baron sits down with Shari Ungerleider, Senior Manager and Head of Education and Outreach for jscreen, to share her journey as a mother to her son Evan, who was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease. Her story illuminates the power of love, resilience, and the importance of genetic awareness and education.
Shari shares the story of her son life, from missed milestones to his diagnosis at 13 months old. Following expert advice, they pivoted from chasing experimental cures to creating a lifetime of memories, focusing on comfort and love. She discusses the emotions that go alongside a diagnosis, the choices around family planning, and how she turned loss into advocacy and education to help others.
If you are navigating the realities of medical diagnoses or carrying the memory of a child who has passed, this episode is for you.
About Shari Ungerleider:
Shari Ungerleider is a Senior Manager and Head of Education and Outreach for jscreen, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives through genetic screening and education. In this role, Shari partners with educational institutions, religious and community organizations and advocacy groups to provide education programs and screening events. She presents programs and shares her story to show the impact that genetic testing and counseling can have on family planning.
Shari, along with her husband Jeff and father Stanley Michelman founded the Evan Lee Ungerleider Foundation when her son was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease. This foundation is part of the National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases Association, where she is a past president and served on the board for over 20 years. Shari has four children, Evan (mentioned above), Justin, Leigh and Sydney. She lives in Wayne, NJ with her family.
As a result of Evan's illness, Shari became an advocate to educate and raise awareness about the importance of carrier screening coupled with genetic counseling. She turned her family's tragedy into something positive so that others would be spared the suffering they experienced. Shari's life mission for over 25 years has been to educate and outreach about the importance of genetic screening coupled with genetic counseling.
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In this episode, Dr. Baron sits down with Lauren Makler, CEO and co-founder of Cofertility, to discuss her profound journey navigating a sudden medical diagnosis and how it changed her perspective on family building. This honest conversation explores the intense intersection of medical trauma, the desire to become a parent, and finding agency when life feels out of control.
At 29 years old, Lauren's life shifted instantly when she received a diagnosis of a rare disease called multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma. Facing multiple surgeries and the very real possibility of losing her ovaries, her diagnosis led her to look into egg donation.
This personal journey opened her eyes to gaps in the fertility industry and ultimately inspired Lauren to co-found Cofertility, reshaping the donor conception landscape to help others safely navigate their own unique paths to parenthood.
If you're navigating a medical diagnosis or holding on to hope while facing the road to parenthood, this episode is for you.
About Lauren Makler:
Lauren Makler is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cofertility, a human-first fertility ecosystem that helps women freeze their eggs for free when donating half, making egg donation less transactional and egg freezing more accessible. Named one of Inc's 2025 Female Founder 500 and Fast Company's 2023 Most Creative People in Business, and featured in top press outlets including Vogue, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Marie Claire, Women's Health, and many more, Lauren is recognized for her innovative approach to increasing accessibility and driving systemic change in healthcare. She's shared her insights on these topics—ranging from healthcare equity to innovation in fertility—at high-profile events including the Hello Sunshine Shine Away summit, HLTH, Harvard Business School, and other leading conferences and institutions.
Previously, as an early Uber employee, she founded Uber Health, leveraging Uber's vast driver network to improve healthcare outcomes through patient transportation and healthcare delivery. Under her leadership, the business helped millions of patients access the care they needed. Before that, she played a key role in expanding Uber's core business along the East Coast and led the company's first healthcare initiative—nationwide, on-demand flu shot campaigns.
After receiving a rare disease diagnosis, Lauren's personal fertility journey inspired her to create a more accessible, empowering path for those looking to freeze their eggs or find an egg donor. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their miracle babies, Eden and Jonah.
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In this episode, Dr. Baron sits down with Rabbi Daniel Fellman, Senior Rabbi of Temple Sinai in Pittsburgh, to discuss his deeply personal experience with loss and fertility challenges. Recorded live in Pittsburgh, this raw and honest conversation explores the unique intersection of communal religious leadership and private grief.
Rabbi Fellman shares the story of his and his wife Melissa's fertility journey, navigating a polycystic ovarian syndrome diagnosis, and the heartbreaking loss of one of their fraternal twins at 22 weeks. He describes the painful medical and halakhic choices they faced, the profound "black hole" in Jewish law regarding early infant loss, and how they ultimately managed to save their surviving son, Zach, through an emergency cervical cerclage.
The conversation explores the heavy burden of compartmentalizing personal trauma while serving a congregation through their own seasons of grief and joy. Rabbi Fellman opens up about his private moments of wrestling and "rebelling" against God, his family's subsequent experiences with a second trimester miscarriage and raising a child with special needs, and how these collective scars have shaped his life.
If you are trying to understand how to hold faith alongside profound loss, or navigating the complicated emotions of pregnancy after loss, this episode is for you.
About Rabbi Fellman:
Rabbi Daniel J. Fellman, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, serves as the Senior Rabbi of Temple Sinai. Before joining Temple Sinai in 2021, Rabbi Fellman served as Rabbi at Temple Concord in Syracuse, New York, for 12 years and as Assistant and Associate Rabbi at Ashe Emeth Memorial Temple in New Brunswick, New Jersey, for four years.
Rabbi Fellman earned his Master's Degree in Hebrew Letters in 2004 and was ordained by the Hebrew Union College—Jewish Institute of Religion in 2005. His thesis, "An American Friendship: Harry Truman, Eddie Jacobson and the Establishment of the State of Israel," explored the extraordinary friendship of two Americans and the role that relationship played in America's early support for Israel. Rabbi Fellman is a 1996 graduate of Colorado College, where he earned his BA in Political Science and earned the Abel Greg and Lucy Finney Award for religious leadership on campus.
In addition to his congregational duties, Rabbi Fellman was named one of the "40 under 40" in Syracuse, served as the chair of the Roundtable of Faith Leaders, and received the Interfaith Leadership Award for his work building civil society. Rabbi Fellman was a Clal Rabbis Without Borders Fellow and is currently a fellow with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
Rabbi Fellman served as the Jewish Chaplain at Syracuse University for two years, and spent three years as an adjunct instructor at the State University of New York at Cortland where he taught Jewish studies. He resuscitated the Syracuse Board of Rabbis and was an active presence in Jewish community building. He is an Eagle Scout, and was a founder of the Hillel at Colorado College.
Rabbi Fellman and his wife Melissa are the parents of three children—Zachary, Jacob, and Elizabeth
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In this episode, Dr. Baron sits down with Dr. Lauren Hofstatter, a clinical therapist often known as "the orthodox therapist," to unpack the complex realities of how Jewish couples navigate intimacy, marriage, and fertility through a traditional lens while protecting the privacy of their relationships.
Dr. Hofstatter shares her insights from her popular, anonymous social media platform where community members submit questions from marital discord to sexual health concerns that they feel unable to ask anywhere else. She discusses the unique intersection between clinical training and strict Torah values. She emphasizes the necessity of bridging patients to trusted rabbis for Halachic queries, and the emotional weight that comes with being a support to others .
The conversation explores the heavy emotional toll of fertility struggles on partnerships. From the hazards of over-sharing your marriage with casual friends to the pain of public pregnancy announcements, this episode offers an honest look at how to protect your relationship when community expectations become overwhelming.
About Dr. Lauren Hofstatter, LMHC, PhD :
Dr Lauren Hofstatter, LMHC, PhD, is a licensed mental health counselor based in Boca Raton, Florida, specializing in work with adult women and couples within the Orthodox Jewish community. She integrates clinical expertise in sex therapy with a deep understanding of Torah values, offering culturally sensitive support around intimacy, relationships, anxiety, trauma, and sexual health. Lauren is the founder of The Orthodox Therapist and is passionate about providing clear, modest, and shame-reducing education that promotes emotional connection and marital well-being.
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In this episode, Dr. Baron sits down with Rabbi Megan and Paige GoldMarche, a dedicated couple working within the Jewish communal space, to discuss the deeply personal and complex realities of their family-building journey. Together, they share the emotional, physical, and financial hurdles of facing infertility as a queer couple while holding a profound desire to build their future family.
Megan and Paige reflect on the early days of their relationship, tracing the path from their initial meeting at a Shabbat dinner to a shared realization that they wanted to build a life together. Driven by a poignant sense of urgency tied to family health history and a deep desire for their future children to know their grandparents, they set out with a clear timeline. However, their plans were quickly challenged by the clinical realities of donor selection, expensive medical protocols, and the physical toll of consecutive unsuccessful intrauterine inseminations (IUIs).
The conversation also explores the complex logistics unique to family building in LGBTQ+, including navigating insurance gaps, utilizing the open healthcare marketplace for secondary coverage, and shifting from local sperm banks to larger cryobanks in search of matching backgrounds. As the journey progressed from IUIs into the world of IVF, the physical and emotional burdens mounted for both partners. This episode captures the heart-wrenching moment of finally receiving a positive pregnancy test, only to immediately face the agonizing anxiety of non-doubling beta numbers and the impending grief of early loss.
If you are navigating the heavy intersecting roads of LGBTQ+ family building, medical fertility treatments, or the quiet grief of early pregnancy loss, this episode is for you.
About Rabbi Megan GoldMarche:
Rabbi Megan grew up in the Chicago suburbs where she found her voice as a Jewish leader at her Conservative youth group and Reform summer camp. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006 with a B.A. in Psychology and Women's Studies.
Megan then went to work for the Hillel at Yale University where she discovered her passion for working with young people, and realized that rather than pursuing a PhD in Clinical psychology she wanted to use the Jewish tradition as a source of meaning to empower young adults to create their own rich Jewish identities and communities. Megan was ordained by the Jewish Theological Seminary in 2014 and also received an MA in Jewish Gender and Women's Studies and a certificate in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Megan is an alumna of the Wexner graduate fellowship.
Megan served as Senior Base Rabbi at Metro Chicago Hillel where she spent six years leading and building the thriving Base network for Jews in their 20s and 30s. She also has a passion for travel and outdoor adventure- which has currently led her to forty-eight of the fifty states in the US. Megan and her wife Paige, and their daughters Bri and Rori, live in Mt. Airy and loves hosting folks in their home for Shabbat and Holidays!
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About Paige GoldMarche:
Paige (she/her) is the mom of two kiddos, a Jewish professional and a challah baker. She is the Director of the Meyer-Gottesman Kol Koleinu Teen Feminist Fellowship at Moving Traditions, working with teens all over the US to building feminist community and learn about activism through a Jewish and feminist lens. Paige is also the Mt Airy Challah Fairy, baking and selling challah for local Philly non-profits. She has a BA in International Development and Social Change from Clark University, an MA in Jewish Communal Service from Baltimore Hebrew Institute at Towson University, and a certificate in Non-Profit Studies from Johns Hopkins University. Paige is an active member of Germantown Jewish Center.
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In this episode, Aimee sits down with Marla Rottenstreich, a fitness professional, doula, and COO of One Israel Fund. She opens up for the first time about her fertility journey, navigating a congenital uterine anomaly, pregnancy complications, and grief. This conversation is a vulnerable exploration of how deep medical trauma reshapes the path to parenthood.
Marla opens up about being diagnosed at age 17 with a bicornuate uterus and told she would likely never have children. She describes overcoming that prognosis only to face the isolating grief of secondary infertility, three miscarriages, and the trauma of a third-trimester stillbirth. Through her powerful story, she highlights the importance of somatic movement, faith, and radical self-compassion to process trapped trauma and reclaim her agency.
If you are navigating the difficult intersection of medical trauma, pregnancy loss, and family building, this episode offers a compassionate and grounded perspective filled with resilience and perseverance.
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More about Marla Rottenstreich:
Marla Rottenstreich is an AFAA-certified Group Fitness Instructor, ACE-certified personal trainer, Kripalu Yoga teacher, IIN licensed Health coach and lecturer, licensed Zumba (5 formats) instructor, ACSM Teen/Adolescent Fitness Instructor as well as ACSM Senior Fitness provider, DONA-certified birth doula and prenatal fitness provider, a Mad Dog trainer indoor spin instructor and licensed Beachbody PIYO & Insanity instructor. She currently owns Mekor Fitness LLC, a Central NJ Women's Fitness & Wellness company and the virtual program at MindBody20.com. Marla offers programming at many camps, travel programs, and schools for specialty events across the country as well as Manager of a Pesach program with Leisure Time Tours. She is a trained vegan chef with a cooking show on Kosher.com. Her full time role is COO of One Israel Fund.
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In this episode, Aimee sits down with Susan Kirshner-Sheldon to discuss her journey through later-in-life dating, making Aliyah, and navigating the challenges of infertility and pregnancy loss. Susan candidly shares her experience of dating, the joy of finding her husband Jeremy, and the subsequent roadblocks they faced while trying to build a family.
Susan walks us through the physical and emotional weight of multiple losses, including a natural miscarriage on Sukkot and the devastating words Ein dofek (no heartbeat) during IVF. She also touches on the unique experience of undergoing fertility treatments in Israel.
Now living a full life in Jerusalem, Susan offers a powerful perspective on finding peace when life doesn't go according to plan. Her story is a testament to resilience, the importance of a supportive partner, and the realization that there are many ways to live a meaningful life.
More about Susan Kirshner-Sheldon:
Susan Kirshner-Sheldon made aliyah from Chicago to Jerusalem in 2014, where she now lives with her husband, Jeremy. With a master's degree in human resource management and development from National Louis University and a bachelor's degree in communications from Stern College, Susan began her career in the high-tech healthcare industry before transitioning into the nonprofit world in Israel. She is the founder and owner of Gold Star Concierge, a boutique concierge service that helps locals and visitors navigate life in Israel — from logistics and bureaucracy to events and day-to-day needs — with ease, efficiency, and a personal touch. Susan recently went back to school to earn a certificate in animal assisted therapy where she is learning how to train dogs to be guide dogs. When not working, Susan can be found dog sitting, reading or planning her next travel adventure.
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In this episode, Aimee sits down with Jonah Platt, actor, musician, and host of The Being Jewish Podcast. Aimee first reflects on the milestone of 200 episodes and impact of IWSTHAB on the Jewish community, before pivoting to Jonah's personal story. Jonah Platt discusses the complexities of navigating health, faith, and the public eye while trying to grow a family. This conversation is a vulnerable exploration of how chronic health challenges reshape the path to parenthood.
Jonah Platt opens up about his upbringing in a musical household and his transition into fatherhood alongside his wife, Courtney, who lives with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). He describes the reality of MS—the extreme fatigue and the medical necessity for Courtney to stop life-altering medications in order to conceive and breastfeed. In discussing the lack of awareness around these specific hurdles, Jonah notes, "I think we don't talk about this story that much because her issue isn't fertility." This challenge led the couple through three distinct reproductive journeys: a natural pregnancy, IVF, and surrogacy.
Jonah shares the emotional weight of supporting his partner through a taxing fertility journey and the gift of surrogacy, which allowed Courtney to be fully present for their daughter's birth. Through his story, Jonah highlights the importance of choosing a path that preserves the health of the mother while expanding options for building families.
If you are navigating the difficult intersection of chronic illness and family building, this episode offers a compassionate and grounded perspective. You're not alone.
More about Jonah Platt:
Jonah Platt is one of America's most trusted voices on modern Jewish identity, culture, and current events. He hosts Being Jewish with Jonah Platt—the world's #1 Jewish podcast—exploring Jewish life through conversations with prominent Jews and allies like Jason Alexander, Congressman Ritchie Torres, Bernard-Henry Lèvy, Cindy Crawford, and Sheryl Sandberg. An accomplished entertainer, Jonah has starred in acclaimed projects from Broadway (Wicked) to Hollywood (Being the Ricardos), is co-writing the musical adaptation of The Giver, and producing his first feature film, The Mensch. He was honored with California's inaugural Community Excellence Award for Combating Antisemitism, Holocaust Museum LA's inaugural Roz & Abner Goldstine Advocacy Award, the 2025 American Friends of ELEM LifeSaver Award, and is currently pursuing his Master's in Antisemitism Studies at Gratz College.
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Aimee's Favorite Episodes: 1-Seen and Remembered: Making Space for Everyone This High Holiday Season with Rabbi Yisrael Motzen
I kept nodding through this episode with Rabbi Motzen because I agreed with everything he said. As a rabbi at a large synagogue with many different kinds of family units, he has developed many unique ways to make sure everyone fits in... I loved all of its suggestions and thought they were so applicable to people in the fertility community too.
2- Finding Calm in the Chaos with Dr. Aliza Ancier
Mindfulness is something anyone can use to get through stressful situations, but I had never really given it much thought until this conversation with Aliza. It's amazing how something so simple can really help.
3- Making Mikvah Meaningful with Dr. Naomi Grumet
Mikvah is one of the hardest mitzvos to keep when you're struggling to have a baby. I hated every single time I went. The suggestions here were personally life-changing and helped me reframe mikvah.
4- A Decision I Never Imagined: An Anonymous TFMR Story
This was the first episode we did on TFMR, and I remember being so nervous before it came out. Not because I was worried that we were doing anything wrong by sharing this incredible story, but more because I was concerned about backlash. And the amazing thing is - TFMR stories are some of the most listened to in our 200 episodes. Because people don't walk these stories openly, it's a huge gift to offer those dealing with this personally the knowledge that they are not alone.
5- Tokophobia with Yehudit Kosowsky
Even as a doctor, I had never heard of tokophobia before, but I have had dozens of people/year message me that they are so grateful this episode exists.
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In this episode, Aimee sits down with Clare, a mother of three and reproductive rights advocate to discuss her experience with termination for medical reasons (TFMR). Clare shares how a complex twin pregnancy led to a heartbreaking decision and explains why she feels it is vital to share her story openly.
She discusses the complex reality of a reproductive journey that spans over a decade, beginning with a deeply personal choice at seventeen and leading to a heartbreaking diagnosis during a wanted pregnancy years later. After a routine scan revealed severe medical anomalies in the surviving fetus of a twin pregnancy, Clare was thrust into a period of uncertainty.
By sharing her journey, Clare challenges the binary view of abortion, placing all reproductive choices on a single spectrum of loss and love. Her story is a powerful reminder that putting a name to these experiences turns abstract ideas into human realities.
More about Clare Molnar:
Clare Molnar is an advocate for abortion access and destigmatization based in Ferndale, MI. She is a mom to three girls and one Labrador retriever.
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In this episode, Aimee sits down with Emily Sklar, a podcast producer and media personality, to discuss her proactive decision to freeze her eggs at age 35. After years of prioritizing her career in the Detroit, DC, and LA radio scenes, Emily opens up about her mother's influence and a professional pivot led her to claim her future by securing the possibility of motherhood on her own terms. Emily reflects on how her professional drive often pushed the idea of family into a far-off, hypothetical future. She describes the egg-freezing process as an emotional experience that connected her current, independent life with her long-term goals. This conversation touches on the need to normalize these discussions long before the "biological clock" begins to panic. Emily shares how she navigated the emotional and physical aspects of the process alongside her support system. Her story highlights the importance of trusting your own timing and taking intentional steps to keep your future possibilities open. If you're navigating the balance between career ambition and the "what ifs" of future family planning, this episode offers an empowering look at taking control of your own timeline.
More about Emily Sklar:
Emily is a podcast producer & former radio host who has worked in the audio space for over 15 years. She has a passion for finding human connection through shared story-telling, and believes that everyone has a story to share. Besides work, Emily also sings in a band and loves music, pilates, mindlessly scrolling on tiktok.
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In this special re-released episode, Aimee Baron, MD, founder of I Was Supposed To Have A Baby, shares her deeply personal experience with a second-trimester miscarriage. She explores the unique trauma of navigating a medical crisis while away from home for the Passover holiday and the lasting impact that loss had.
Aimee walks through the timeline of a pregnancy that appeared healthy at her 16-week checkup, only to be upended by a phone call from her doctor while she was away. She describes the search for medical care and the crushing moment an ultrasound confirmed her baby had passed just days after her checkup.
The conversation also touches on the complex intersection of Jewish law and medical emergency, as Aimee and her husband navigated the restrictions of the holiday to seek an immediate procedure. She shares the stark, painful memory of waking up from anesthesia in a public recovery room and the specific emotional weight of losing a genetically healthy baby. This story highlights how Jewish holidays, so often focused on children and family, can become permanent markers of loss and "scars" on the heart for those in the infertility community.
If you are navigating the holiday season while carrying the weight of a past or current loss this episode is for you.
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In this episode, Aliza Abrams-Konig, surrogacy consultant for I Was Supposed to Have a Baby, sits down with her husband, Samuel Konig, to discuss the unique and often overlooked experiences of fathers during the surrogacy process.
The couple recounts the surreal moments of their journeys, from the stress of legal uncertainties to the specific heartache of seeing someone else's name on their newborn's hospital bracelet.
Aliza and Samuel explore the cultural and social pressures within the Jewish community, including the decision to keep their journey private until their children arrived. Sam highlights the importance of finding therapy as a neutral support system to manage the intense stressors that come with surrogacy. The two focus on the profound gratitude that follows a difficult road to parenthood and how facing these challenges together can fundamentally strengthen a family.
If you are navigating the unique complexities of surrogacy or seeking a deeper understanding of the father's role in the fertility journey, this episode is for you.
View our surrogacy resources: here
More about Sam Konig:
Sam Konig was born in Vienna to Jewish Polish parents who were expelled from Poland in 1969 and found refuge in Copenhagen, where he grew up. He completed his schooling in the UK, attended McGill University, and earned his M.A. in Ottawa.
Sam has built his career in Jewish communal life, serving as Executive Director of Towson University Hillel before moving to New York, where he worked with Hillel International and later with the American Friends of Bar-Ilan University.
He now serves as Director of Strategic Philanthropy for the Northeastern region at American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA).
More about Aliza Abrams Konig, MSW:
Aliza Abrams Konig is the Director of Student Leadership at Yeshiva University. Throughout Aliza's career, she has worked within areas of student life, team building, creating curricula, and Experiential Education. Earlier in Aliza's career she served as the YU Director of Alumni Engagement, Assistant Principal at Central, Yeshiva University High School for Girls, Director of Student Life at Stern College, and as the Director of Jewish Service Learning for the University. Aliza is a member of the inaugural Wexner Field Fellows program through the Wexner Foundation.
As a sought-after consultant on surrogacy, Aliza is passionate about raising awareness around surrogacy in the Jewish community. She has spoken on podcasts, worldwide in synagogues, community centers, and schools about the contemporary Jewish family, dating, infertility, and surrogacy. Aliza holds a BA in Judaic Studies from Stern College, and a Master's in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and is now a doctoral candidate at Wurzweiler. Aliza, her husband Samuel, and their family live in Riverdale, New York, where they are very involved with their community, synagogue, and other local organizations.
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In this episode, IWSTHAB's Surrogacy Support Consultant Aliza Abrams Konig sits down with Andrea Syrtash, a relationship expert and founder of Pregnantish, and her cousin Elana Syrtash-Ochs, an early childhood educator and enentrepreneur, to discuss their shared journey through gestational surrogacy. The conversation explores the profound emotional shift that occurs when a family member steps in after years of infertility, loss, and the heartbreak of being ghosted by a previous surrogate.
Andrea reflects on her winding path to parenthood, marked by endometriosis, multiple miscarriages, and the eventual realization that she needed a gestational carrier. After a devastating experience with a surrogate who disappeared mid-process, Elana moved the family toward healing by offering to carry Andrea's baby herself. Together, they navigate the unique dynamics of intrafamily surrogacy, discussing how they set healthy boundaries, managed the curiosity of young children, and even educated hospital staff on how to respectfully handle a surrogacy birth. Their story is a powerful testament to trust, "beshert" timing, and the strength of family bonds.
If you are navigating the complexities of surrogacy this episode offers a roadmap of honesty and hope.
View additional surrogacy resources: here
More about Andrea Syrtash:
Andrea Syrtash is a relationships and sexual health author, fertility advocate, and founder of Pregnantish—the first media platform exclusively dedicated to helping people navigate fertility treatments and infertility. She is also the founder of the World Fertility Awards, the first global, consumer-facing event recognizing and celebrating assisted reproductive technology and the future of family.
Andrea is passionate about supporting the 1 in 6 diagnosed with infertility worldwide, as well as the many more who lack access to the care and information they need to build their families. She is the author of multiple books published by Penguin Random House, including He's Just Not Your Type (And That's a Good Thing) and Cheat on Your Husband (With Your Husband)
She has hosted television programs for Oprah's OWN (Canada), Discovery Network, and Fox, and regularly appears as a guest expert in global media including Good Morning America, Women's Health, The Times of India, Forbes Brazil and NHK Japan. Andrea hosts the Pregnantish podcast, which explores the extraordinary lengths people go to create their families through science and was recently named a New York Times–recommended listen.
As Editor-in-Chief of pregnantish, Andrea authored and helped lead one of the largest studies on fertility patient retention, "Why I Left My Fertility Clinic for Another ART Provider," published in Human Reproduction (2022).
Originally from Toronto, Andrea lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter, who was born via gestational surrogacy after many years of fertility treatment. She remains deeply committed to breaking the stigma around infertility and elevating conversations about modern family-building.
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More about Elana Syrtash-Ochs, M.Ed:
Originally from Toronto, Canada, Elana (Syrtash) Ochs has been involved in children's programming for over 20 years. Elana is the owner and director of Kol Chaverim Preschool in Fair Lawn, NJ which was founded in 2012 as well as KC Kids Aftercare program at Yeshivat He'Atid, in Teaneck, NJ, founded in 2016. Elana also created Gan Yavneh Daycare and served as Yavneh Academy's Preschool Director and Manager for 3 years from its inception in 2017. Elana has several years of experience as an educator, preschool director, camp director and consulting director for programs all around NY & NJ. Elana ran her swim program, Morah Elana's Swim, in Englewood from 2012-2022 and was the Program Director & Host at Upscale Getaways Passover Program in Niagara Falls, Canada for several years as well.
Elana graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in English Literature, a Minor in Music and an A.A. in Judaic Studies. She also earned a dual Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education at Touro College, NY.
Prior to working as a Preschool Director, Elana worked as an EMT in New York. She was also the Head Lifeguard at the camp run by the Hebrew Academy for Special Children (HASC) for 2 years. Elana was selected to join Teach for America in 2008 and served as a special educator and corps member in Harlem and the Bronx.
Connect with Elana:
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Check out Elana's Instagram and Facebook
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Send her an email
More about Aliza Abrams Konig, MSW:
Aliza Abrams Konig is the Director of Student Leadership at Yeshiva University. Throughout Aliza's career, she has worked within areas of student life, team building, creating curricula, and Experiential Education. Earlier in Aliza's career she served as the YU Director of Alumni Engagement, Assistant Principal at Central, Yeshiva University High School for Girls, Director of Student Life at Stern College, and as the Director of Jewish Service Learning for the University. Aliza is a member of the inaugural Wexner Field Fellows program through the Wexner Foundation.
As a sought-after consultant on surrogacy, Aliza is passionate about raising awareness around surrogacy in the Jewish community. She has spoken on podcasts, worldwide in synagogues, community centers, and schools about the contemporary Jewish family, dating, infertility, and surrogacy. Aliza holds a BA in Judaic Studies from Stern College, and a Master's in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and is now a doctoral candidate at Wurzweiler. Aliza, her husband Samuel, and their family live in Riverdale, New York, where they are very involved with their community, synagogue, and other local organizations.
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Set up a surrogacy consultation here
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In this two-part conversation, we return to Sarah Guigue's fertility journey with honesty, vulnerability, and deep intention. When we first recorded in November 2025, Sarah was still pregnant. She made the brave choice to speak in the middle of it, not after the ending was known, because she wanted to capture the raw intensity of pregnancy after loss. The fear. The hope. The constant calculations. The way joy and terror lived side by side.
Sarah shares how private she wanted to be during that pregnancy. How she almost didn't tell her immediate family. How she entered what she calls her "nesting" period, pulling inward, limiting public appearances, and protecting herself from questions and commentary that felt too heavy to carry. Not because she wasn't grateful, but because she was surviving.
She speaks powerfully about the strength it took to try again. About her deep belief that G-d co-creates life with us, and that we are meant to be vessels, even when the risk feels unbearable. That faith didn't erase fear, but it gave her the courage to move forward anyway.
In the second half of this episode, recorded after the birth of her baby, Sarah reflects on how her emotions have shifted. What stayed with her. What surprised her. And how pregnancy after loss doesn't simply end at delivery, even when the outcome is joyful.
This episode is for anyone who has lived in the in-between. Anyone who protected their heart by staying quiet. Anyone who kept going not because they were fearless, but because something deeper carried them forward.
More about Sarah Guigue:
Sarah Encaoua Guigue is a passionate coach, educator, writer, MC, and content creator devoted to living and sharing the light of Chassidus. Through her platform Hassidic Hipster Girl, she brings deep spiritual ideas into relatable, modern conversation—infusing daily life with meaning, joy, and connection to Hashem. Driven by the Lubavitcher Rebbe's vision of Dira Betachtonim—making a dwelling place for Hashem here in the physical world, Sarah guides women & girls from stuck to soul-aligned through her 1:1 coaching, and various offerings. She can be reached via Instagram DMs @hassidic.hipster.girl
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On this re-released episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Romy Shulman joins Aimee Baron, MD for a thoughtful and practical conversation about how to celebrate Purim while honoring your mental health.
Purim is meant to be joyful, but it can also feel overwhelming. Together they explore how choosing a smaller Megillah reading with fewer children can create a more manageable and meaningful experience. They also discuss rethinking mishloach manot by giving gifts of food specifically to those who have supported you, rather than feeling obligated to give to everyone you know.
The conversation also reframes the Purim seuda (meal), suggesting that instead of hosting a large gathering, people may consider making the meal more intimate to connect more deeply.
This episode offers empowering permission to celebrate differently and create a Purim that feels aligned and intentional.
Connect with Chana, UK:
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In this episode, Aimee speaks with "Q" about infertility, identity, and redefining motherhood. She shares her diagnosis of PCOS and the emotional toll of years of fertility treatments, including multiple IUIs.
Q discusses the decision she made to look into other options. She opens up about the heartbreak of closed doors, including her 15-year hope of adopting from Ethiopia, which became complicated after policy changes. F shares how she ultimately built her family through domestic adoption in the United States after navigating the cultural pressure to have biological children, and stereotypes about fertility in Black women.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that family-building can look different than expected and still be deeply intentional and sacred.
Note:
"Q" is a pseudonym and the voices in this episode have been altered to ensure the anonymity of our guest
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In this episode of Talking Away the Taboo, Aimee sits down with Shira Sussi, a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, for an honest conversation about pregnancy loss, the challenges of returning to work afterward, and her journey of building a family while holding joy and grief simultaneously.
Shira shares her path to motherhood, which includes multiple losses, two medical terminations, and the emotional complexities of parenting after loss. She opens up about the stigma surrounding pregnancy loss and termination, as well as how grief has reshaped both her personal life and professional approach.
The conversation also explores how Shira navigated the blending of different Jewish backgrounds within her marriage and vulnerability of talking about loss with her children.
If you're navigating loss, seeking healing, or trying to find your way through a transition, this episode is for you.
More about Shira Sussi MS RD CDN:
Shira Sussi MS RD CDN is a Brooklyn-based registered dietitian nutritionist and mother of two living children. She supports families during the all-encompassing life-phase of pregnancy and postpartum, and teaches parents simple, practical approaches to creating more intuitive eaters while building a positive feeding relationship with their child.
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In this episode of Talking Away the Taboo, Dr. Baron is joined by Hadassah Eventsur, an occupational therapist and life coach, for a deeply needed conversation about neurodiversity in Jewish life, and how that contributes to a smaller family size. Hadassah reached out to name something many women feel but struggle to articulate: the pain of wanting a large family while knowing that undiagnosed ADHD or other neurodivergent traits make the day-to-day demands of parenting feel overwhelming or unsustainable. Dr. Baron names this experience as circumstantial infertility, where the barrier to growing a family isn't medical, but rooted in capacity, support, and how the world is built. Hadassah shares her own journey of recognizing her neurodivergence, the coping strategies she developed long before she had language for them, and the shame that so often accompanies doing things "differently." From challah baking to daily routines, she explains how COVID became a turning point in understanding her brain with more compassion. Together, they explore: * Why neurodivergent women often feel unseen and unsupported * How communal expectations around motherhood can deepen shame * The difference between desire and capacity, and why both matter * Practical, realistic tools for executive functioning and emotional regulation * The power of community over advice, fixes, or judgment
This conversation is for anyone who has ever thought, "I want more, but I don't know how I'd survive it," and felt alone in that tension. It's an invitation to widen how we define infertility, support, and what it means to make thoughtful, loving decisions without shame. More about Hadassah Eventsur, MS, OTR/L:
Hadassah Eventsur, MS, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist, Transformational Coach, Mishpacha Magazine contributor on Neurodivergence in adult women and the Founder of MindfullyYou, a Supportive Community for the Frum Neurodiverse Population.
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Visit her website Mindfully You and set up an appointment
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In this episode of Talking Away the Taboo, Dr. Baron is joined again by Pam Krooth as they pick up right where their first conversation ended, the moment Pam received the call about a little boy available for adoption.
Pam shares her experience adopting her son, David, from Ethiopia, including the emotional weight of the legal process, the heartbreak of separation during visa delays, and the realities of bringing a young child into a new country, culture, and family. She reflects on the importance of ethical adoption practices, thorough preparation, and honest self-assessment before choosing this path.
The conversation also explores raising a child of color in a Jewish family, navigating dual racial and cultural identities, and why love alone isn't enough without intentional representation and open, ongoing dialogue. Pam emphasizes respecting a child's timeline, avoiding secrecy in adoption, and creating space for age-appropriate conversations about identity and origins.
This episode offers an honest look at what adoption truly asks of parents, and how openness, humility, and care help build trust over time.
More about Pam Krooth, LCSW:
Pam Krooth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who resides in Maryland with her husband, two children and French Bulldog. She is the mother of a biological and adopted child. She is currently on the Board of Directors at The Lab School of Washington, DC, an independent private school for children with language based learning differences. And is on the Board of Directors at Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE), an organization that provides mental health treatment and education to adoptive, foster and kinship individuals and families, as well as training in adoption competency to professionals working with these populations.
Resources:
- Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)
Connect with Pam:
-Check out Pam's Instagram
- Contact Pam via email at pamela.k@therapist.net
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In this episode, Aimee sits down with Amanda Bryk, a new IWSTHAB board member, to talk honestly about miscarriage, anxiety, and the complicated reality of building a family after loss.
Amanda shares her first miscarriage and the shock of learning there was no heartbeat at an early ultrasound, navigating that moment without her husband Darren present due to residency, and the emotional weight of making decisions no one prepares you for. As her losses continued, Amanda opens up about how anxiety followed her into subsequent pregnancies and how grief doesn't disappear just because you go on to have living children.
Together, Aimee and Amanda talk about balancing careers, relocations, and family planning, the absence of miscarriage leave in the workplace, and the pressure to share deeply personal information just to get through the day. Amanda reflects on circumstantial infertility, social media support after loss, invasive questions that often come from ignorance, and the unexpected comfort of finding others who truly understand. This conversation also explores partnership. Amanda shares how she and Darren navigated different expectations around family size, guilt, responsibility, and how they kept showing up for one another through uncertainty, COVID, moves, and traumatic pregnancies.
If you've experienced miscarriage, pregnancy loss, fertility anxiety, or the emotional whiplash of holding gratitude and grief at the same time, this episode is for you. You're not alone, and you're not doing it wrong.
More about Amanda Bryk, JD:
Amanda Bryk is a non-practicing attorney who worked in the financial markets practice of an AM100 law firm for 5 years. Amanda struggled with multiple pregnancy losses and secondary infertility and turned to social media when she felt alone within her community. She is excited to be a part of IWSTHAB and give back to a cause deeply personal to her family. Amanda now devotes her time to her husband (a urologist specializing in male infertility) and 3 children, volunteering at their school and volunteering within the Hollywood, Florida Jewish community.
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In this episode, Tamar and Giddy share their story - how they met, fell in love, and built a marriage shaped by multiple losses, 11 rounds of IVF, and the constant waiting that comes with not knowing what's next.
They talk openly about how infertility impacts a marriage, how they learned to support each other while grieving differently, and the role therapy, creativity, faith, and community played in helping them survive the most challenging moments. Tamar also shares how their Instagram page, Tales of Tamar, became a creative outlet and source of connection during COVID — and how telling their story changed their relationship.
The episode also touches on the added complexities of navigating fertility challenges in Israel, the assumptions people make about adoption and surrogacy, and what it feels like to be "hostage to infertility." Woven throughout is a conversation about emuna, doubt, and finding meaning without tidy answers.
Want to be inspired by a couple who doesn't have all the answers? This episode shows how they navigate hope, loss, and the unknown while staying connected and resilient.
Resources:
- Mercaz Panim (Rachi Hain)
- Bonei Olam
- Tahreinu
- Leeman Hayeled (Adoption in Israel)
- Bar Toov (Male Infertility)
More about Tamar Ben Tzvi:
Tamar Ben Tzvi is the founder of Tales Of, a social media company helping mission-driven businesses and organizations, and @talesoftamar, her Instagram page, which she started 5.5 years ago to break the ice around infertility in the Orthodox Jewish community and create a safe space for open conversation about taboo topics.
Tamar and her husband, Giddy Ben Tzvi, live in Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel, and have been happily married for over 9 years.
Together, they are navigating a long and challenging fertility journey of 7.5 years.
Through Tales of Tamar, Tamar runs two initiatives: a Tefillah initiative that pairs people up to daven for others going through a similar struggle, and a challah-baking initiative in which people bake as a Tefillah for those struggling with infertility.
Connect with Tamar:
-Check out Tamar's Instagram
- View her website and connect with her via email at Tamar@tales-of.com
More about Giddy Ben Tzvi:
Giddy Ben Tzvi, originally from Rockville Maryland, he is a proud alum of the Melvin J.Berman Hebrew Academy (Here We go Cougars Here we go!), Yeshivat Torat Shraga, and holds a B.A. in Psychology from Yeshiva University. He works as a recruiter for UrbanRecruits, where he works to help jobseekers find gainful employment in the Israeli job market. He lives in Ramat Bet Shemesh with his incredible wife Tamar, he enjoys learning Torah, especially works of Machshava (Jewish Thought), playing a good game of basketball, going for a good run, chillin with friends, and watching some quality TV with Tamar.
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This episode brings together the science, the medicine, and the lived experience behind BRCA mutations.
Emily Goldberg, JScreen's Director of Genetic Counseling Services, breaks down what these mutations are, how they're inherited, and what the actual cancer risks look like. Dr. Melissa Frey, a GYN oncologist at Cornell who works closely with high-risk families, walks us through what happens after someone tests positive — from screening to risk-reducing surgeries to the big conversations around fertility and timing.
We also hear from Heather Boussi, who shares her powerful story of living with both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. She talks about diagnosis, surveillance, surgeries, and how this all shaped her family-building decisions.
Lastly, we look at what BRCA means for men, how that journey differs, and why PGT can still be an option.
If you or someone you love is navigating this, we close with places to turn for support: JScreen, Sharsheret, I Was Supposed To Have A Baby, and Stardust (links below). It's a mix of expertise, honesty, and heart — the kind of conversation so many people wish they had heard earlier, especially when faced with such difficult decisions.
Note: This episode is the 4th of a series of 5 that we are collaborating on with Jscreen in 2025.
Take a look at our previous three episodes here :
- Episode 157: Introduction to Genetics and Infertility
- Episode 166: Fragile X Syndrome: A Silent Factor in Infertility
- Episode 185: It's Not Just Her: Male Factor Fertility and Genetics Uncovered
Resources:
- Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program
- Facing Our Risk Empowered (FORCE)
- Jewish Fertility Foundation
- Stardust Foundation
- Sharsheret
- JScreen
More about Emily Goldberg:
Emily Goldberg serves as the Director of Genetic Counseling Services at jscreen, where she is dedicated to helping individuals understand and manage their genetic health. With dual bachelor's degrees in biology and psychology from Brandeis University and a master's degree in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College, Ms. Goldberg has been a certified genetic counselor since 2011. Prior to joining jscreen, she worked at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, specializing in prenatal and cancer genetics. In addition to her role at jscreen, Ms. Goldberg is committed to education, serving as an Instructor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and adjunct faculty at Sarah Lawrence College, where she teaches and mentors future genetic counselors. Her expertise and dedication make her a key member of the jscreen team.
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More about Melissa Frey, MD:
Dr. Melissa Frey is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Director of the Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program at Weill Cornell Medicine / NewYork Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Frey's clinical care and research focus on the management of individuals with hereditary cancer syndromes (e.g. BRCA1, BRCA2, Lynch syndrome) and strong family history of breast and gynecologic cancers. She performs gynecologic cancer risk-reducing surgeries and is the principal investigator on several large trials aimed at cancer prevention among high-risk individuals. Dr. Frey has presented her research at national and international meetings and has more than 130 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
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view the Genetics and Personalized Cancer Prevention Program website
More about Heather Boussi :
Heather grew up in Westchester, NY and now lives in Englewood, NJ with her husband and three children. Her personal experience with hereditary cancer risk and genetic testing has made her a passionate advocate for awareness, education, and empowerment in women's health. Grounded in faith and family, Heather shares her story to help others approach life's challenges with strength, perspective, and gratitude.
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Like so many, Pam Krooth, LCSW, spent years trying not to get pregnant, only to find herself aching for the thing she once assumed would come easily. What followed was a long, emotional road marked by pain, heartbreak, and the slow, painful shift between expectation and reality.
Throughout Pam's story, we see how the path to the family she hoped for looked nothing like what she once imagined, and how hard it was when the timing was out of her control. After infertility, postpartum depression, and a miraculous adoption, she found her way to a different kind of motherhood, which reminds us to stay open to the many ways a family can be created, because the unexpected path can sometimes lead somewhere even more beautiful.
This raw, honest conversation reminds us that there isn't one way to become a parent, and that every path, however unexpected, is miraculous.
More about Pam Krooth:
Pam Krooth is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who resides in Maryland with her husband, two children and French Bulldog. She is the mother of a biological and adopted child. She is currently on the Board of Directors at The Lab School of Washington, DC, an independent private school for children with language based learning differences. And is on the Board of Directors at Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE), an organization that provides mental health treatment and education to adoptive, foster and kinship individuals and families, as well as training in adoption competency to professionals working with these populations.
Resources:
- Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.)
Connect with Pam:
-Check out Pam's Instagram
- Contact Pam via email at pamela.k@therapist.net
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A husband and wife sit down together to share their full fertility journey - from trying earlier than expected, to three heartbreaking miscarriages, IVF, October 7th, and ultimately, welcoming two beautiful daughters. In this deeply personal conversation, Rabbi Danny and Tamara Stein speak openly about the experience from both perspectives: the pain of loss, the fear of pregnancy after miscarriage, the anxiety of parenting during times of crisis, and the ongoing work of staying connected as a couple. They also reflect on what it means for men to have space to grieve, hope, and believe, and what it's like to navigate infertility and loss while serving as clergy, balancing the role of comforting others with managing their own heartbreak.
More about Rabbi Danny Stein:
Danny Stein is the rabbi of the Selma and Lawrence Ruben Base UWS, a pluralistic Jewish community for 20s & 30s in New York-based out of his and his wife Tamara's home. He feels passionate about helping folks connect with Judaism in ways meaningful for themselves. After being supported by IWSTHAB amidst his own fertility journey filled with losses and uncertainty, Danny is proud to help change the conversation within Jewish communities. He loves studying Hasidut, eating sushi, and is an overjoyed abbah (father) to their IVF baby.
Connect with Rabbi Danny Stein:
-Contact his personal Instagram and Upper West Side BASE Instagram
More about Tamara Stein (J.D.):
Tamara is originally from Sacramento, CA, but has been living on the East Coast and in the Midwest for well over a decade. She moved to the Upper West Side of New York City in 2023 to create Base UWS, a pluralistic, diverse, vibrant Jewish community for 20s and 30s out of her and her husband Danny's home.
Tamara is a lawyer who received her J.D. from Suffolk University in Boston, MA. On top of helping to run Base UWS, Tamara currently works full-time as the Deputy Director at Mayday Health, a non-profit that educates folks on medication abortion and how to access it in all 50 states. She is passionate about using her love of policy, law, operations, and strategic thinking to contribute to health equity and access, and feels privileged to have been given the opportunity to merge her passions with a career.
Tamara loves (in no particular order): eating sushi, traveling to visit friends and family, trying new workout classes around the city, making challah, arguing about anything and everything, watching The Bachelor, and taking long walks on Shabbat with no destination in mind. Lastly, she is the very proud and grateful mom to her two favorite little kiddos- Ruthie (2) and Avi (almost 1!)
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What happens when you have a profound loss, but no grave to visit? In this episode, Danielle shares her unique fertility journey — one that challenges our assumptions about what "fertility struggles" look like. From the joy of welcoming her third child to the unexpected trauma that followed, Danielle opens up about grief that doesn't come with a funeral, the profound loss of her ability to have more children, and the moments when her pain felt invisible.
We explore how her body carries memory and trauma, how medical care and community influenced her recovery, and the ways she has found growth and meaning in the aftermath. Danielle's story reminds us that resilience isn't about pretending nothing happened — it's about choosing how to live with it, learning from it, and finding new ways to move forward. More about Danielle Mizrahi (LCSW):
Danielle Mizrahi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified perinatal mental health specialist (PMH-C) with a private practice in West Hempstead, NY. She currently specializes in maternal mental health and working with women throughout the reproductive lifespan. Danielle was drawn to IWSTHAB because of her own personal experiences with infertility. She is committed to supporting others through their own journeys to creating a family. Danielle lives in West Hempstead with her husband and 3 miracles, Reuben, Jacob and Sarah.
Connect with Danielle Mizrahi:
-Visit her Instagram: The Mended Motherhood Collective
-Contact Danielle via email
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Infertility isn't only a women's issue, though too often, it's talked about like it is. In this episode, we're digging into male factor infertility: what it means, how it's diagnosed, and how it impacts couples emotionally, physically, and relationally.
We're joined by Paul Kassebaum, a quantum physicist, and his wife Julia Cohen, an economist, who live in Westchester, NY. In 2021, their family-building journey took an unexpected turn with a diagnosis of male factor infertility. They open up about the medical and emotional twists and turns of their path, and why they hope sharing their story will help others feel less alone.
To give us a full picture, we also bring in experts: Dr. Ariel Moradzadeh, a reproductive endocrinologist, and Abbe Golding, a genetic counselor at Jscreen. Together, we explore:
- What male factor infertility actually is, what the causes are, and how it's evaluated
- Who should be doing the testing and why it matters
- The role genetics can play in male infertility
- The emotional and psychosocial impact on men and couples
- How couples like Paul and Julia navigate the unexpected and find resilience
Whether you're directly facing male factor infertility, supporting a partner, or simply learning more about the different paths to parenthood, this conversation is a mix of story, science, and support.
Note: This episode is the 3rd of a series of 5 that we are collaborating on with Jscreen in 2025.
Take a look at our previous two episodes here :
- Episode 157: Introduction to Genetics and Infertility
- Episode 166: Fragile X Syndrome: A Silent Factor in Infertility
About Paul Kassebaum and Julia Cohen:
Paul Kassebaum (Kass-eh-bomb) and Julia Cohen live in Westchester, NY where Paul is a quantum physicist and Julia is an economist. In 2021 they were forced to reconsider how to start a family when presented with a diagnosis of male factor infertility. They hope that by sharing both the medical and emotional aspects of their journey they can be a resource for other couples navigating the infertility space.
About Dr. Ariel Moradzadeh:
Dr. Ariel Moradzadeh attended medical school at The David Geffen school of medicine at UCLA. Following medical school, he completed his General Surgery internship and Urology residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he developed his passion for men's health and male infertility. Following residency, he completed an andrology, men's health, male and infertility fellowship at UCLA, and he now works as a full-time reproductive Urologist at Cedars-Sinai. When he is not treating patients, he enjoys running, swimming, weight lifting and yoga.
About Abbe Golding:
Abbe Golding is a certified genetic counselor and works as a community education and outreach manager for JScreen. She is passionate about providing genetic knowledge that empowers individuals to make informed healthcare decisions. Abbe believes that accurate and relatable genetic information should be accessible to everyone. Abbe lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and daughter.
Connect withJScreen
-visit their website here
-check out their instagram
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Briana Felsen's path to motherhood was anything but straightforward. When she learned she was a BRCA carrier, everything changed—her sense of time, her plans for the future, and her relationship with her own body. Facing a 72% lifetime risk of breast cancer, she found herself racing against the clock to build her family before needing preventative surgery. What followed was a fertility journey deeply intertwined with Jewish time—the holidays marking both medical milestones and heartbreaks. From an ectopic pregnancy on the High Holidays to finally learning she was pregnant on Chanukah, her story is one of resilience, faith, and finding light after darkness. We talk about: - How a BRCA diagnosis reshapes family planning and fertility decisions - Navigating IVF, PCOS, and genetic testing with faith and fear in equal measure - What it feels like when Jewish holidays become painful reminders instead of celebrations - The toll of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, even when a good dose of Zoloft helped her hold on For anyone navigating a genetic diagnosis or struggling with fertility challenges, this raw and heartfelt conversation is a reminder that you are never alone.
More about Briana Felsen:
Briana Felsen is a development professional who works in the Israel space. First in South Florida and now back home right outside of Washington, DC. She graduated from Indiana University with her undergraduate degree in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures and George Washington University for her graduate program in Israel Education.
Briana is passionate about Jewish community building, reading good books, Hoosier basketball, and the perfect wine and cheese pairing. Briana lives in Potomac Maryland with her husband Jerry and their dog Skipper and the newest member of their family, their IVF baby, Sonny.
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In his first-ever podcast conversation, Aimee sits down with Rabbi Elon Soniker, author of Uriel's Light, to talk about faith, family, and finding meaning after unimaginable loss. Rabbi Soniker shares the story of his son, Uriel, his brief but powerful life, and the light that continues to shine through his memory. Together, they explore what it means to grieve as a parent, as a rabbi, and as part of a community that often doesn't know what to say or do in the face of perinatal loss.
This powerful conversation moves through so many of the questions we all wrestle with:
- How can faith and pain coexist without canceling each other out?
- How do we grapple with unimaginable pain when there are no easy answers?
- How can people show up for families after miscarriage, stillbirth, or other losses?
- How do we talk to children about death or loss without frightening them?
Rabbi Soniker's honesty, humility, and spiritual insight offer comfort and clarity — reminding us that grief and light can, in fact, exist together.
More about Rabbi Elon Soniker:
Rabbi Elon Soniker is the Rav of Congregation Anshei Shalom in West Hempstead, NY, and Judaic Studies Principal at Ohr Yisroel in New Jersey. Rabbi Soniker recently published a book titled "Uriel's Light: Reflections on Tragedy and Emunah" in honor of his son Uriel z"l. The book contains letters, divrei Torah and reflections written during the brief life and the year following the passing of his baby son. Rabbi Soniker lives in West Hempstead with his wife and children.
Resources Mentioned:
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View Rabbi Elon Soniker's book Our Son Uriel's Light: Reflections on tragedy and Emunah
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Pain is a Reality; Suffering is a Choice, by Rabbi Asher Resnick
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"I've never done something like this before."
In this episode, I sit down with Jami Nelson, a mother, grandmother, and lifelong nurturer who has spent more than three decades living with the loss of her son, Dov Ber, who died of SIDS as an infant.
Speaking publicly for the first time, Jami opens up about what she remembers most about that time, how she survived the early days of grief when support was scarce, and how her relationship with loss has evolved over the years. She shares what it was like to raise four children while carrying the memory of one who wasn't there, and how that experience shaped the way she later supported others through their own heartbreak.
Together, we talk about:
- The quiet ways grief lingers through everyday life and motherhood
- The kind of help you keep going when your world has fallen apart
- What parents newly navigating loss need to hear from someone who's lived it
- How others can support someone who has had a loss
This episode speaks about the ache that never fully fades, and the strength of mothers who carry their children's memories in their hearts, always.
More about Jami Nelson:
I live in Boynton Beach Florida for the past 6 years after living in Cedarhurst, New York where I raised 4 children, ages 40, 37, 35 and 31. I was a teacher, labor and postpartum doula, lifeguard/swim teacher and administrative assistant. I love cooking, reading, being in the pool and spending time with my husband, children, grandchildren and good friends. Jami has been married to her husband Jonathan for 42 years.
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In this episode, we sit down with Rabbi Karen Perolman and Rabbi Danny Stein for an open and tender conversation about navigating fertility struggles while serving as rabbis. Together, they share their personal stories, what it felt like to move through the High Holidays in the midst of pain, and the complicated balance of leading a congregation while caring for their own hearts. This is a powerful look at faith, vulnerability, and resilience—and a reminder that no one is immune to the challenges of fertility journeys, not even those guiding our communities.
More about Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman:
Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman is the Senior Associate Rabbi at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey, the congregation she has served since 2008. She was ordained as a rabbi by the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion in New York in 2010.
Her writings have been published online and in five CCAR Press publications: The Sacred Table: Creating a Jewish Food Ethic (2011), Moral Resistance and Spiritual Authority: Our Jewish Obligation to Social Justice (2019), The Sacred Encounter: Jewish Perspectives on Sexuality (2014), and Mishkan Ga’avah: Where Pride Dwells (2020) and The Sacred Struggle: Jewish Responses to Trauma (2025). She is the co-founder of Modern Jewess, an emerging publication for Jewish women to write and connect.
Karen has been a proud board member of I Was Supposed To Have a Baby since 2024. She lives in New Jersey with her wife, Liz Glazer, a lawyer-turned-comedian, their teenage cat Jack, and toddler, Eloise.
Connect with Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman:
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Visit her website here
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Feel free to reach out via email at: krperolman@gmail.com
More about Rabbi Danny Stein:
Danny Stein is the rabbi of the Selma and Lawrence Ruben Base UWS, a pluralistic Jewish community for 20s & 30s in New York-based out of his and his wife Tamara's home. He feels passionate about helping folks connect with Judaism in ways meaningful for themselves. After being supported by IWSTHAB amidst his own fertility journey filled with losses and uncertainty, Danny is proud to help change the conversation within Jewish communities. He loves studying Hasidut, eating sushi, and is an overjoyed abbah (father) to their IVF baby. Connect with Rabbi Danny Stein:
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Follow his personal Instagram account
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Check out the Base Upper West Side Instagram
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Visit the Base Upper West Side website
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With the holidays around the corner, we’re bringing back our conversation with Tzipora Grodko: 7 Things You’re Doing That Make Your Guests Uncomfortable.
This episode is a gentle but honest reminder that gatherings can be complicated, especially for those navigating fertility struggles and loss. As we head into a season filled with meals, family time, and community, it’s worth listening again with fresh ears—and a little extra sensitivity.
Previous Episodes with Tzipora Grodko:
- Episode 178: Finding Strength in Unwritten Chapters with Rachel Honeyman, Tzipora Grodko, and Peri Lyman
More about Tzipora Grodko, LMSW:
Tzipora Grodko is a dynamic public speaker, psychotherapist, and coach who inspires audiences across the Jewish world with powerful messages of confidence, resilience, and personal growth. Her viral talk, Things Shadchanim Should Know, reframed the “shidduch crisis” with a more compassionate lens, making her a leading voice in single advocacy.
Ranked as the #1 Meaningful People episode of 2022, Tzipora has since traveled globally, speaking at schools, organizations, and events on topics like mental health, leadership, and breaking societal stigmas.
She recently launched Stories of Hope, the first Orthodox podcast of its kind, featuring extraordinary stories of unexpected love. Through her work, she continues to inspire deeper understanding, broader possibilities, and a future filled with support and hope.
Connect with Tzipora:
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Follow her on Instagram
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Visit her website here
Connect with us:
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As the High Holidays approach, so many of us walk them with heavy hearts. The traditional prayers are filled with stories of Sarah, Chana, and Rachel — women who struggled with infertility — and with prayers about life, family, and legacy. For those still waiting, or those whose journeys haven’t unfolded the way they once imagined, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur can feel complicated, overwhelming, even painful. In this episode, Aimee sits down with Chavie Bruk, a "Talking Away the Taboo" regular (I think this is her 4th time on the podcast), a woman whose path to motherhood was through adoption, not biology. Together they talk about what emunah (faith) and bitachon (trust) look like in the face of unanswered prayers, and how fertility challenges shape our experience of the Yamim Noraim. She's raw, honest, and unabashedly frank about her struggles, and every time I speak with Chavie, I am blown away by the wisdom she shares, and I know you will be too. They explore: * How she still struggles 18 years after learning that she would never have children * How she straddles the fact that her story is hard and painful, and yet she accepts that this is what Gd has chosen for her * Finding God in disappointment, grief, and renewal * The insensitive things people say, especially this time of year, and how to respond so you don't get consumed by the anger * What advice she gives to people who are still in the midst of their struggles
This is a conversation about faith, honesty, and resilience, and about making space for all feelings. More about Chavie Bruk: Chavie Bruk is a mother of five adopted children and is the co-director of Chabad Lubavitch of Montana together with her husband. On her podcast, Totally Unexpected! Chavie sits with guests to her about the one unexpected moment that changed their lives. She hopes listeners will see themselves in these stories, feeling a little less alone and little more connected. Connect with Chavie Bruk: - Follow her on Instagram - Read her blog Totally Unexpected - Listen to her Totally Unexpected podcast on Spotify and Apple Previous Episodes with Chavie: - Episode 8. My Adoption Stories with Chavie Bruk - Episode 47. Expectations, Pain and Adoption with Chavie Bruk - Episode 141. Pain Doesn't End... or Does It? with Chavie Bruk - Episode 100. With Aliza Abrams Konig, Etsy Perman, Chavie Bruk, Lizzy Savetsky, Adelle Bryski, Amy Seroussi & Malki Rodal Connect with us:
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As the High Holidays approach, many of us gather with family, see old friends at shul, and catch up on a year’s worth of life. But for those who don’t fit the “expected” mold—singles, people without children, divorced or widowed individuals, single parents—these moments can feel isolating instead of uplifting. In this episode, Dr. Aimee Baron sits down with Rabbi Yisrael Motzen, who recently launched "Kol Echad," an Orthodox Union initiative to make sure no one in our community is overlooked or left behind. Together, they talk about: * Rabbi Motzen's background and how/why he came into this work. * How so many people feel unseen in Jewish communal life, and how "Kol Echad" aims to fix it * Simple and practical suggestions that synagogues, hosts, and individuals can make to be more inviting and inclusive * Impressing upon people that we all need to be involved in this to make a difference
This conversation is both honest and hopeful, reminding us that true community is built not only at the family table but also in the act of making space for each other—especially those carrying unseen stories. Whether you’re someone who has felt “forgotten,” or someone who wants to do better at seeing others, this episode offers wisdom, compassion, and a path forward. Mentions: Unmatched by Sarah Lavane More about Rabbi Yisrael Motzen:
Rabbi Yisrael Motzen is the rabbi of Ner Tamid Greenspring Valley Congregation in Baltimore, Maryland. He serves as special assistant to the executive vice presidents of the Orthodox Union and is also the director of Kol Echad, a new OU department dedicated to creating communities where every single person matters.
Sign up for the Kol Echad E-Magazine here Connect with Rabbi Yisrael Motzen:
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Connect with Kol Echad on Instagram
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What happens when life doesn’t unfold the way you thought it would? When the hopes you once held close—marriage, children, grandchildren—don’t materialize, or take a completely unexpected path? In this powerful episode, we share the stories of three extraordinary women who bravely open up about their deeply personal experiences of waiting, grieving, and finding meaning in places they never expected. Rachel made the decision to stop trying after years of heartbreaking fertility treatments. Even though the choice was hers, it still hurts, and sometimes in the moments she least expects it (like shul dinners- this was NOT what I expected her to say). Tzipora, a single woman, vulnerably shares that a lot of her pain comes from younger family members who get married and have kids while she is still waiting. Seeing others move forward with their lives, while she is still stuck as the "cool auntie," is just so hard. Peri will never be a grandmother, and she is okay with that. But it's when other people start to brag about the newest baby in their family, or when she needs to put on a brave face for too long, it just becomes too much.
More about Rachel Honeyman:
Rachel Honeyman has been involved with IWSTHAB since its early days — first as a recipient of support, then as a board member. Rachel and her husband, Tzvi Doron, are childless-not-by-choice after a painful, 5+ year infertility journey, about which they've both written and spoken publicly (including in Instalives and podcasts for IWSTHAB). While motherhood isn't in the cards for Rachel, she gains great comfort in being able to give back to the IWSTHAB community. Rachel has a Master's in English, runs a marketing and web design agency called HoneyBeBold, and is a martial artist and women's self-defense instructor. She lives in Long Island, NY.
Connect with Rachel:
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Follow her on Instagram
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Visit her website here
More about Tzipora Grodko, LMSW:
Tzipora Grodko is a dynamic public speaker, psychotherapist, and coach who inspires audiences across the Jewish world with powerful messages of confidence, resilience, and personal growth. Her viral talk, Things Shadchanim Should Know, reframed the “shidduch crisis” with a more compassionate lens, making her a leading voice in single advocacy.
Ranked as the #1 Meaningful People episode of 2022, Tzipora has since traveled globally, speaking at schools, organizations, and events on topics like mental health, leadership, and breaking societal stigmas.
She recently launched Stories of Hope, the first Orthodox podcast of its kind, featuring extraordinary stories of unexpected love. Through her work, she continues to inspire deeper understanding, broader possibilities, and a future filled with support and hope.
Connect with Tzipora:
-
Follow her on Instagram
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Visit her website here
More about Peri Lyman:
Songwriter, reading specialist, kugel maker extraordinaire
Connect with Peri:
-Follow her personal and Loaleinu Instagram accounts
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Visit her website here
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Feel free to reach out via email at: Perilyman@gmail.com
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“I couldn’t have my child bearing years end with a dead baby” with Taliya Corbett
This is a messy, complicated truth of what it means to carry both heartbreak and hope.
After the devastating stillbirth of her daughter, Ora, all Taliya could think was—“The only thing that will make me feel okay again is another baby.” But the road to pregnancy wasn’t simple. And even when she finally conceived, she didn’t feel joy. Or hope. Or love.
This episode is for anyone who's been told that a new baby will "fix it"—and then finds themselves drowning in guilt when it doesn’t feel that way at all.
Because love after loss is not always immediate. And healing isn’t always linear. And sometimes you need some medicine to help with the anxiety too
More about Taliya Corbett:
Homeschooling mom of five and one angel always in her heart. Taliya is a stillbirth warrior turned storyteller who shares her wild, sacred, and unfiltered journey through motherhood, faith, grief, and healing. From iced coffee-fueled chaos to deep spiritual reflections, she invites you into a life that’s messy, meaningful, and magnetic.
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- Follow her on Instagram
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Renowned Jewish matchmaker Aleeza Ben Shalom joins us for a raw and honest conversation about the intersection of egg freezing and dating. We get into the pressure, the judgment, and the impossible choices many women face—whether they want to freeze, don’t want to, or simply can’t. Aleeza also shares how this shows up in the dating world: men asking about egg freezing before a first date, when (or if) to bring it up in the dating process, and what real support looks like from friends and family. Whether you’re navigating this yourself or walking alongside someone who is, listen with an open heart…people are struggling and we don’t need to add pressure to this already difficult time in people’s lives.
More about Aleeza Ben Shalom:
Aleeza Ben Shalom is the renowned globe-trotting Jewish Matchmaker, who captivated audiences worldwide with her highly popular Netflix show, "Jewish Matchmaking," reaching millions of viewers across 130 countries. She continues to wow audiences worldwide with her in-person and virtual appearances and has recently published her third book, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Find Me A Love That Lasts.” To date, she has successfully helped thousands of people get married, and has trained over 350 matchmakers and coaches
Connect with Aleeza:
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In this anonymous and deeply moving episode, a woman shares the story she never imagined would be hers. She always thought getting pregnant would be a struggle, but when it finally happened naturally (and it was twins!), there were mixed emotions... because she and her husband both carry a serious genetic disorder. And that meant there was a possibility the babies might be affected. What follows is a harrowing journey of diagnostic testing, endless waiting, and pain. This is a story about maternal love, medical complexity, and emotional devastation. About the babies she chose to protect, even if it meant letting them go. About what life looks like after, and how a single question—“How many kids do you have?”—can carry a thousand invisible layers. She speaks straight to the hearts of those who’ve faced impossible choices, and to the people who want to support them but don’t know how. It’s not an easy listen, but it’s a necessary one. Content warning: This episode includes discussions of TFMR (termination for medical reasons), genetic illness, and pregnancy loss. Mentions: Jscreen Genetic testing Connect with us:
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In this raw and real conversation, we sit down with a therapist and mom of four who opens up about what it was like to fall apart just when everything looked “fine.” She shares the unexpected crash of antenatal depression during her third pregnancy, the challenge of diagnosing herself when she’s supposed to be the expert, and how she finally got the help she needed. We talk about receiving a BRCA+ diagnosis after her mother’s cancer, deciding to undergo a preventive mastectomy (with a hysterectomy still to come), and grieving the loss of future fertility. Julia also reflects on how her view of G-d has shifted from religious anxiety and bargaining to a more grounded kind of faith, and why posting honestly on social media became her lifeline. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “hold it together,” questioned your faith, or wondered how anyone survives the chaos of being human—this episode is for you. Topics include: - What antenatal depression can actually look like (even when you’re a therapist) - Getting a BRCA+ diagnosis and making hard decisions
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Letting go of the fantasy of more children
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Religious anxiety, fear, and finding balance
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How humor and public storytelling became part of her healing
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Control, or lack thereof—and learning to live with it
Mentions:
Sharsheret and Chai Lifeline
More about Julia Makowsky:
Grew up in Los Angeles moved to New York for school where I was set up with my husband. I have a masters degree in social work and have been working in the field for over 13 years. I am a mom of 4 children and reside in the five towns. Recently I was diagnosed with BRCA1 where I have been navigating what is the best course of action for myself and my family. Connect with Julia:
- Follow her on Instagram
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“I finally wanted this baby—and then I lost her.” In this heartbreaking and brave conversation, Hasidic Hipster Girl Sarah Guigue shares the story behind her stillbirth with honesty, vulnerability, and warmth. It's filled with hope, loss, and survival, told with stunning courage. Sarah grew up carrying adult responsibilities from a young age. Taking care of her siblings, holding the household together, she longed for freedom. So when she got married, she felt relief. Independence. And for a long time, no desire to have children. It took years of healing and hard work before she finally felt ready. And then came the pregnancy. It was complicated, filled with uncertainty—but also faith. Sarah deeply believed things would be okay. She and her husband saw many doctors, and were prepared for every possibility. Still, nothing could prepare them for the day they lost their baby. In this episode, Sarah opens up, raw, beautiful, and utterly unfiltered, about the complicated emotions around becoming a mother after childhood parentification, the day she gave birth and said goodbye, and how she copes when the grief feels unbearable. More about Sarah Guigue:
Sarah Encaoua Guigue is a passionate coach, educator, writer, MC, and content creator devoted to living and sharing the light of Chassidus. Through her platform Hassidic Hipster Girl, she brings deep spiritual ideas into relatable, modern conversation—infusing daily life with meaning, joy, and connection to Hashem. Driven by the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s vision of Dira Betachtonim—making a dwelling place for Hashem here in the physical world, Sarah guides women & girls from stuck to soul-aligned through her 1:1 coaching, and various offerings. She can be reached via Instagram DMs @hassidic.hipster.girl Connect with Sarah Guigue:
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What happens when you do everything "right," but life doesn’t follow the script? In this deeply honest conversation, Bianca Jade—a 46-year-old Jewish Latina woman—shares the winding, emotional path of her fertility journey. From freezing her eggs in her late 30s after a much-needed push from her therapist, to getting married at 44 and diving headfirst into trying to conceive, Bianca opens up about the pain of two miscarriages, the complexity of waiting, and the quiet grief of time passing. We talk about what it means to take control - switching clinics, finding coaching - and what it means to surrender. Surrendering to uncertainty. To the reality of not having a baby yet. And even to the possibility that a baby might never come. Bianca reflects on the deep spiritual work she’s done (with the help of teachers like Jackie Glaser), the questions she's had to sit with, and how she’s found joy and meaning in a life that looks different than she once imagined. This episode is for anyone navigating fertility with a timeline that doesn’t match everyone else’s—and for anyone who's learning how to live fully, with or without children. Mentions: The Joy of Later Motherhood: Your Natural Path to Healthy Babies Even in Your 40's by Bettina Gordon-Wayne "Joy - The Birth of IVF" a Netflix series Practioner Aimee Raupp Rejuvenating Fertility Center More about Bianca Jade:
Bianca Jade is a leading beauty, fitness and integrative lifestyle influencer, TV Host and wellness personality. She’s known for her personal blog Mizzfit.com, where wellness meets style. As a Latin-American entrepreneur and TV/internet personality, Bianca shares her life experiences navigating the health & wellness world with audiences across the nation and amongst her half a million follows on social media. Bianca has appeared on outlets such as Today Show, CBS Morning News, Dr. Oz, Banfield, and regional affiliates across the country. Bianca is also a beauty expert and educator, and lifestyle guest host on HSN. She shares her health & beauty tips with publications like New Beauty magazine as a contributor (in both English and Spanish) and travels the world featuring wellness destinations for healthy travelers. In 2018, Bianca had the foresight to do an egg retrieval and shared her experience online. “My Egg Freezing Story” quickly went viral on Youtube, inspiring fertility awareness online and in the media. At 45, Bianca officially started her IVF journey and uses her social platforms to advocate for fertility education, wellness and community. Her latest exciting venture is “Primed for Pregnancy” Retreat which provides women with all the resources, information, and coaching needed to navigate their own fertility journey with confidence. Bianca is currently working on her first book about Fertility Wellness and Mental Health. "I started IVF when I was 38 years old by freezing my eggs at the suggestion of my therapist, who I'm eternally grateful to. Never knew if I would actually get married or have a family but just didn't want to live with any regrets. At 44 I got married, and a few months before our wedding we visited my IVF doctor to just check-in and tell him that we wanted to fertilize soon. I remember him telling me to "hurry up" and even "to do it before the wedding" but I just felt like I had a lot of time on my hands...which kind of makes me laugh now. Less than 2 months after our wedding, I was pregnant naturally. And less than 2 months later, I had miscarried. Here I was going through the real deal fertility journey and learning that "yes, I was part of a statistic now". For a year I couldn't conceive and then this past Feb, I got pregnant! We surprised my parents at a fancy dinner with the news, only to find out 2 weeks later that we lost the baby again. This is where I stop typing and take a long breadth because all I know is that this journey is not easy for everyone including myself but I refuse to give up until it's time to make a shift. I have 2 embryos left and I'm well aware that I'm at the end of my opportunity of having biological children. I have made peace with that. What I've learned is the most important thing to me is to be a mother. The person I was before I started this journey is not who I am today, 2 losses later. I'm a very strong woman who is here to put it all on the table and help other women not make the same mistakes I did. Thank you for inviting me on your podcast! xo" Connect with Bianca Jade:
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Check out the Primed for Pregnancy retreat
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Michael Neuman, LCSW joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-his own personal fertility journey
-his clinical work
-what it’s like for men to carry invisible grief, societal pressure, and silence—all while being expected to "be strong"
-the emotional toll of fertility journeys and loss on men
-what it looks like when men are struggling and what actually helps (and what really doesn’t) when you’re trying to support a partner
More about Michael:
Michael Neuman, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist based in Miami and Hollywood, seeing kids and young adults, specializing in anxiety, depression, life adjustments, and paternal mental health. He is the founder of Ji4Life, a nonprofit that helps kids and teens with physical challenges compete in extreme races and trains weekly at the Jewish Leadership Academy. A dedicated athlete, Michael has competed on American Ninja Warrior twice, a winner on CBS’s Million Dollar Mile, and appeared on Amazon Prime’s Beast Games. He lives in Florida with his wife and daughter.
Connect with Michael:
-Follow him on Instagram
-Check out the Instagram page for Ji4Life
-Join his Father Postpartum Support Group
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaz Naor joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the raw and remarkable story of how he became a father through surrogacy
-the emotional complexities, logistical challenges, financial hurdles, and moments of deep joy that shaped his path to parenthood
-what led him to pursue fatherhood on his own
-the decision to use surrogacy and the entire process from choosing an egg donor to the moment his daughter was born
-how Jewish tradition community played a role in his journey
-the hope and strength required along the way
-what he wants other men, queer folks, and Jewish families to know about nontraditional paths to parenthood
More about Chaz:
Chaz Naor is a native New Yorker, an active member of the Jewish LGBTQ+ community, a dedicated higher education professional, a passionate theater producer and avid theatergoer—and, above all, a devoted solo dad to his one-year-old daughter, Lia. As if he weren’t busy enough, Chaz recently joined Ivy Fertility as a consultant, partnering with intended parents to demystify the surrogacy process and support them in building families of their own. For Chaz, sharing his surrogacy story isn’t just personal—it feels essential. He knows there are so many gay men who dream of becoming fathers but feel unsure, overwhelmed, or even scared to take the leap. By being open about his story, Chaz hopes to break down those barriers, show what’s possible, and give others the confidence to pursue the family they deserve.
Connect with Chaz:
-Read an article about Chaz
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Jordana Brown joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her journey becoming a frum single mother by choice
-the unexpected path that led her here and how she never imagined this would be her story
-the emotional toll of letting go of “the plan” and the strength it took to move forward anyway
-the moment the decision became real, egg freezing, the heartbreak of multiple pregnancy losses, and the incredible strength she had to keep trying
-how people judged, supported, misunderstood, and sometimes surprised her—and what she wishes others understood about this path
If you’ve ever felt like your life looks different than you thought it would—or if you’re wondering what it means to choose motherhood on your own terms—this one is for you.
This is a special mother's day episode - for all the mothers out there who fought desperately, year after year, to have a child.
More about Jordana:
Jordana is a single mom living with her yummy daughter Amalia in Israel. She made Aliyah from Queens, NY in 2014, started out in Jerusalem and moved to Tel Aviv seven years ago. After getting her Master’s in speech pathology, Jordana hasn’t practiced in 10 years and now works in marketing. Jordana enjoys wine nights, reads voraciously and lives for European travel and her Friday brunches- none of these activities have happened since Amalia came on the scene. But she’s worth it.
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Sarah Ickovitz, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her powerful story of navigating remarriage, discovering genetic challenges, and turning to IVF with genetic testing
-the emotional impact of learning you carry a genetic condition
-how she was able to make it through all the hard moments in the process
-what helps her stay focused and stay positive through it all
This is a moving conversation about what it means to rebuild, reimagine family, and keep going with courage.
More about Sarah:
-Sarah is a remarried Mom of 4. She has 1 IVF baby and 1 on the way. Inspiring others that true happiness does exist.
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Jessica Zucker, PhD, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her new book, “Normalize It”
-how she expands her lens to address a multitude of challenges that women face- that so often make them stay silent
-how to speak about the uncomfortable to help make you feel less alone (even though I hate that phrase- listen to hear why!)
More about Dr. Zucker:
Dr. Zucker specializes in reproductive and maternal mental health, which means she primarily works with women who are contemplating or struggling with pregnancy, pregnancy and infant loss, pregnancy after loss, pregnancy ambivalence, during transitions in motherhood, prenatal and postpartum adjustments, birth trauma, perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, and in the midst of relationship challenges after the birth or loss of a child.
In her critically acclaimed, groundbreaking book I Had a Miscarriage, Jessica Zucker boldly exposed the silence, stigma, and shame that surround pregnancy loss and demonstrated the need to normalize conversations around painful reproductive events that too often go unspoken.
In Normalize It, Zucker expands her lens to address a multitude of challenges women face—from girlhood, body image, motherhood, reproductive choice, sexual trauma, menopause, and more—that so often incite shame and overwhelming cultural pressure to stay silent. Based on patient stories, coupled with cutting-edge psychological research, Zucker fearlessly shares her insights into the shame and stigma that shroud so many women’s experiences and explores the liberation that can follow when we get vulnerable and talk about the hard stuff.
Connect with Dr. Zucker:
-Check out her new book, Normalize It
-Take a look at her website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Estie Rose, MS, CGC, Heather Hipp, MD, and Gail Heyman, join Aimee Baron, MD for the second episode of our 5-part IWSTHAB x JSCREEN Podcast series is all about Fragile X. When people think of genetic testing before pregnancy, they often think of Tay-Sachs or cystic fibrosis—but Fragile X is just as important and far less understood. In this episode, Estie Rose and Dr. Heather Hipp explain the difference between recessive and X-linked conditions, what it means to be a Fragile X carrier, and how it can affect fertility and family planning.
We also hear from Gail Heyman, who shares her deeply personal journey navigating Fragile X in her own family—and how that led her to advocacy. Whether you're building your family or supporting someone who is, this episode is filled with insight, honesty, and heart.
-Click here to watch Part 1: Introduction to Genetics and Infertility
More about Estie:
Estie Rose is a certified genetic counselor at jscreen. She has a special interest in community education and serves as a resource for individuals who are facing genetic health issues.
Connect with Estie:
-Follow her on Instagram
More about Heather:
Dr. Heather Hipp is a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) physician and an Associate Professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree at Duke University and then her MD degree at Emory University, where she continued her training in residency and fellowship. She is the Program Director for the REI fellowship at Emory and serves as chair for the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Education Committee. Her profession memberships include American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, and American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society. She is also on the National Fragile X Foundation Scientific and Clinical Advisory Committee. Her research focuses on women who are carriers for the fragile X mutation and their risk of premature ovarian insufficiency, as well as trends and outcomes of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) in the United States.
More about Gail:
Gail Heyman is a passionate advocate and leader in the Fragile X community. After her son was diagnosed in 1989, she co-founded the Fragile X Association of Georgia and has served as its director ever since. Her family’s experience—spanning three generations affected by Fragile X conditions—fuels her tireless work to raise awareness, promote research, and support others navigating similar challenges. Gail also serves on JScreen’s advisory board and has received national recognition for her leadership in genetic advocacy and inclusion.
-Click here to learn more about Gail's story
-Check out Carly Heyman's book, My eXtra Special Brother
-Learn more about Fragile X here
Connect with JScreen:
-Visit their website
-Coupon Code: IWSTHAB18 for $18 off initial testing (no expiration date on this offer)
-Follow JScreen on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shirel Korobkin, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her deeply personal fertility journey
-the stillbirth she experienced four years ago, a recent miscarriage, and the ongoing pain and resilience that define life after loss
-the powerful parallels between her own struggles and the journey of the Jewish people in Egypt
-what it means to seek liberation while still walking through grief
-tangible ways to care for yourself and “fill your cup” this holiday season—especially if your heart feels heavy during a time that celebrates freedom and renewal
More about Shirel:
Shirel, with a background in colour management and graphic communications, made Aliyah (moved) to Israel in 2020. During her first few months as a new immigrant (olah chadashah), Shirel discovered she was pregnant. After a healthy pregnancy, at 26 weeks, Shirel found out there was no heartbeat and had to deliver her baby. Shirel felt she had no one to turn to for support. Shortly after her loss she moved to a remote city with no English-speaking resources, friends, or family, which created a void for the support she desperately sought. She found IWSTHAB who helped guide her through her loss, a pregnancy after that loss (PAL), and eventually welcoming a healthy rainbow baby. Shirel currently resides in Harish, Israel, and is very involved with developing events and support for the English-speaking community there. She is very grateful to be working with IWSTHAB and looks forward to giving back to the very same community that helped her through her most difficult moments. Shirel understands the challenges new immigrants and members of English-speaking communities face while navigating their fertility journeys in Israel and looks forward to providing support with compassion, empathy, and understanding.
Connect with Shirel:
-Send her an email
-Join one of Shirel's support groups
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaya Kasten RN, BSN, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her deeply personal journey through antepartum and postpartum depression
-hyperemesis gravidarum, and debilitating blood loss
-the relentless storm that made daily life unbearable
-how in the end, a hysterectomy was the only path forward, a choice that gave her back her health, her energy, and her sense of self
-the grief that came along with her hysterectomy and the knowledge that there would be no more children
More about Chaya:
I'm a 35 year old mother of 2. I'm a nurse who's passionate about women's health and education in the Healthcare field. I made aliyah with my family as a 20 year old single girl. I went to nursing school in Netanya and met my husband who's American there. We lived there for a few years and moved back. I had to do the American nursing boards which I did in February 2020. After a couple of nursing jobs, I now work at a juvenile detention center which I really enjoy. I like decorating cake and cupcakes and have recently discovered the fun of resin. In sharing my story, I hope to give chizuk and help out even one person who feels alone.
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaya Hott joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-grief, resilience, and the power of turning personal tragedy into a source of healing for others
-her experience navigating secondary infertility, a devastating stillbirth, and an early loss
-how each heartbreak deepened her grief and after years of heartbreak, pain and healing, she welcomed her rainbow baby, but her story didn’t end there
-how she took her pain and transformed it into purpose
-her journey of becoming a grief educator, dedicating herself to helping others navigate the unbearable weight of loss Chaya will be running our Second/Third Trimester Loss group and the new Recurrent Loss group, which will be starting in May 2025.
More about Chaya:
Chaya is a Certified Grief Educator, trained by renowned expert David Kessler, and a Certified Trauma Coach through Daniel Schonbuch at the Torah Psychology School for Coaching and Counseling. She founded Jewish Grief Groups to support bereaved women after the loss of a pregnancy, baby, child, parent, spouse, sibling, or loved one.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chaya endured the stillbirth of her baby boy after a decade of infertility due to a medical condition. Months later, a miscarriage compounded her grief, leaving her isolated and lost—until she found IWSTHAB, whose support carried her through her losses and a subsequent pregnancy with her rainbow baby. Inspired by the healing she experienced, Chaya now helps others navigate grief with compassion and understanding.
Chaya lives in Pomona, NY, with her husband, three children, and one forever in her heart. She finds joy in working out, hiking, and cake decorating.
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Carly Joseph joins Aliza Konig, IWSTHAB's surrogacy consultant, to speak with Carly Joseph, to explore the deeply personal and emotional journey of surrogacy. From the initial struggles of building a family to the life-changing decision to pursue surrogacy, Carly is excited to normalize conversations around surrogacy and share her story in a vulnerable way in hopes that it will offer hope and comfort to others. They talk about... -the journey to parenthood before considering surrogacy
-the emotions and uncertainties of choosing surrogacy
-navigating the first steps—agency vs. independent surrogacy
-building a relationship with a surrogate and staying connected throughout pregnancy
-the highs, the doubts, and the life-changing moment of holding her baby
-lessons learned and advice for intended parents
-how this experience led to the creation of a surrogacy concierge business to support others on this path
More about Carly:
Carly Joseph is a surrogacy concierge helping Intended Parents match with the right surrogates quickly. Having navigated her own two surrogacy journeys, Carly knows firsthand how overwhelming the process can be. Her mission is to combine personal experience with established relationships to help make the path to parenthood smoother. Carly works with intended parents who are ready to explore surrogacy, providing real, personal support from someone who's been there. Through her comprehensive support package, she handles the complex parts so you can focus on the excitement of growing your family.
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Aliza Abrams Konig joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the complex and deeply personal journey of surrogacy—one that comes with unique challenges, especially within the Jewish community
-the realities of surrogacy, the emotional and halachic considerations, and the questions that so many intended parents struggle with
-finding a “kosher” surrogate—how hard is it, and what are the costs? Are grants available?
-the emotional and relational aspects—how involved are partners, and how does that shape the bond with the baby?
-preparing for someone else to carry your child—what if disagreements arise?
-explaining surrogacy to your child—when and how to tell them, and do some parents choose not to? This conversation is honest, raw, and full of insight for anyone exploring surrogacy or supporting someone on this path. Whether you’re considering surrogacy yourself or just curious about the experience, this episode sheds light on the deeply personal and communal aspects of building a family through surrogacy.
More about Aliza:
Aliza Abrams Konig is the Director of Student Leadership at Yeshiva University. Throughout Aliza’s career, she has worked within areas of student life, team building, creating curricula, and enriching the experiences of thousands of students through Experiential Education. Earlier in Aliza's career she served as the YU Director of Alumni Engagement, Assistant Principal at Central, Yeshiva University High School for Girls, Director of Student Life at Stern College, and as the Director of Jewish Service Learning for the University, where she built the service learning curriculum and established chessed missions around the world. Aliza is a member of the inaugural Wexner Field Fellows program through the Wexner Foundation. She has spoken worldwide in synagogues, community centers, and schools about leadership, education, faith, prayer and issues related to the contemporary Jewish family, dating, infertility, surrogacy and family, and is a sought-after consultant on surrogacy. Aliza holds a BA in Judaic Studies from Stern College, and a Master’s in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work and is now a doctoral candidate at Wurzweiler. Aliza, her husband Samuel, and their family live in Riverdale, New York, where they are very involved with their community, synagogue, and other local organizations.
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Aliza Ancier joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-mindfulness and how this technique can ground people during times of stress or anxiety (hello fertility journey)
-what mindfulness is and isn’t, some misconceptions, how she personally found it helpful after her loss stillbirth, and some practical suggestions on how to incorporate pieces of it into your own life
-learning new ways to cope with the ups and downs
*For practical solutions, jump to the end of the episode (36:21)
More about Aliza:
Dr. Aliza Ancier PT, DPT, PCES specializes in helping women navigate their motherhood journey. She has a doctorate in physical therapy with a special interest in maternal health and is a trained mindfulness teacher and educator. Aliza is a mother to three wonderfully rambunctious children at home and one of her twins, in her heart.
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-Send her an email
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rachel Polans, MS, CGC joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her years helping others navigate the complexities of genetic disorders
-her life as a woman facing infertility, longing for the moment she’d finally carry a child
-the unimaginable turn life took when she did get pregnant
-her journey through her very-wanted pregnancy, and the ultimate decision to terminate for medical reasons (TFMR)
More about Rachel:
Rachel Polans lives in New York, New York with her husband and their dog. She works as a pediatric genetic counselor at a major academic medical center in NYC, where she sees patients affected by genetic disorders and helps them to navigate genetic testing and genetic diagnoses. Rachel started her own fertility journey in the summer of 2023 and since then has been struggling with pregnancy loss and infertility. She feels strongly about sharing her fertility struggles in hopes to bring awareness and to help others who may find themselves in similar situations.
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, an anonymous guest joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-being a “normal” frum (religious) woman—living the life she always imagined…until everything changed
-the agonizing journey of facing a devastating diagnosis, weeks of uncertainty, and the unbearable weight of an unthinkable decision
-her story of pain, grief, and resilience
-a glimpse into the realities of TFMR (Termination for Medical Reasons) in the frum community
Disclaimer: The voices in this episode have been altered using AI to ensure anonymity of our guest.
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Natalie Richeimer, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor, Education and Outreach Manager at Jscreen, Bat-Sheva L. Maslow MD, REI, RMA, and Rena Fox, RNC-OB, BSN, join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about genetics and Infertility.
The introductory episode of our 5-part IWSTHAB x JSCREEN Podcast series dives into the genetic aspect of fertility and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) workups, setting the stage for an engaging and informative series that blends expert knowledge with deeply personal stories.
Moderated by Dr. Aimee Baron of IWSTHAB, in this epsiode, we speak to Natalie, a reproductive genetic counselor, will explain what a genetic counselor does and how genetics factor into infertility evaluations. Dr. Batsheva Maslow (REI) will provide a medical perspective on infertility evaluations and how certain diagnoses and/or findings can help direct treatment. And finally,
Rena Fox will share her personal journey as part of a carrier couple who chose IVF for genetic reasons, shedding light on the real-life implications of genetic fertility challenges.
More about Natalie:
Natalie Richeimer, MS, CGC, is a board certified genetic counselor at jscreen with clinical experience in adult, pediatric, and reproductive genetic counseling. She holds a master's degree in human genetics and genetic counseling from the Keck Graduate Institute. Natalie is a native Torontonian, who lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two boys. She has published research in the Journal of Genetic Counseling on the impact of orthodox Jewish clergy’s role in prenatal genetic counseling. Prior to her work as a genetic counselor, Natalie worked as a high school STEM teacher for 7 years in Los Angeles. She is passionate about reproductive health education and community engagement. Natalie has a special interest in outreach, with the goal of increasing awareness of and access to genetic counseling. Natalie has partnered with local organizations and high schools to provide community education.
More about Dr. Maslow:
Dr. Bat-Sheva Lerner Maslow is double board-certified in OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility and is the lead physician at the Reproductive Medical Associates of New Jersey - Jersey City office. Dr. Maslow has a special interest in education, research, and the clinical care of single women considering proactive fertility preservation.
Outside of the office, Dr. Maslow lectures and writes on the intersection of halakha and reproduction. She serves as the Director of Medical Education for the North American Yoatzot Halacha Program and is a board member of several organizations related to Jewish women and health. She maintains an active educational presence on social media discussing issues related to reproduction in the Jewish community.
Dr. Maslow attended Barnard College and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She completed residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania and fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at the University of Connecticut, where she also completed a master’s degree in clinical and translational research
More about Rena:
Rena is an experienced nurse with 6 years in labor and delivery and 2 years in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Having personally gone through IVF, she combines professional expertise with personal insight to provide compassionate care and support to those navigating fertility challenges.
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chani Melamed joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-our last conversation, around Mother's day, where she shared her fervent belief that she would one day be a mother...even after 14 years of marriage
-how 5 months ago, her daughter was born! (I sobbed when she told me). And I knew, that when she was ready, I wanted her to share the story of her pregnancy -the years of infertility, this time with the lens of what kinds of things they did to try to have a child
-numerous medical procedures, doctor appointments, looking into adoption, waiting, waiting, and more waiting, and davening (praying)
-the anxiety of finally being pregnant, parenting after infertility and some of the comments that people (still) make to her. Sigh.
Connect with Chani:
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shira Collings joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her medical trauma, and she never thought she would get to a place where she would feel comfortable having a baby
-how she and her husband pursued adoption, but soon discovered that there were all kinds of issues that arose with that path to parenthood as well
-returning to trying to get pregnant naturally, but becoming plagued with recurrent loss and Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
-her complicated feelings during all parts of the process, what kinds of support she needed to get through each stage, and where she is now in the process (she’s 30 weeks pregnant) Books mentioned “The Baby Decision” and “Motherhood- Is it for me?”
More about Shira:
Shira Collings, MS, NCC, LPC (she/they) is a psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She primarily specializes in eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image, and is especially passionate about providing LGBTQ+-affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, and fat-affirming eating disorder care. Shira’s personal experience with pregnancy loss sparked their passion for supporting those who are struggling to build their families as well.
Connect with Shira:
-Send her an email
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Michelle (Malka) Grunstein, LMFT CATC-IV, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the beginning of her journey to becoming a SMBC
-how she is finally pregnant again (after three early losses) and gives us a window into the process
-how she needed to do IVF and use a sperm donor, which were both completely new experiences for her
-dealing with some complications which forced her on bed rest
-the insensitive comments from IRL friends and people on the internet…sigh
And through it all, she is doing it alone but with the incredible support of a village. Malka is such an inspiration- you MUST listen to her story. More about Michelle (Malka) Grunstein:
Michelle is a licensed therapist who is multifaceted. Some of her specialties include child and adolescent development, addiction, trauma (EMDR), grief, depression, and anxiety. She is currently the Clinical Director and Executive Director of multiple dual diagnosis treatment centers, catering to those struggling with mental health and addiction. Michelle's difficult childhood lead her to become a therapist as a young adult and she has built her career with the focus of helping others. Despite attempts at dating and building a family throughout adulthood, she has been unable to do so due to a combination of infertility and not finding "the one". Michelle has chosen to fulfill her dream of becoming a mom through the use of a donor and has been on the journey of becoming a solo mom by choice for the last few years.
Connect with Michelle:
-Follow her on Instagram
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-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Sharon Cabelly joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-how she has NEVER gotten over her pain
-her rich and full life as a teacher - a job that she adored
-how she yearned for a large family
-her medical issues, that meant she was only able to have one child (and now three grandchildren)
-how the comments have never stopped, people constantly ask her why she only has one, even to this day
-her story, bringing these insensitive comments to light, so others will learn what NOT to say when meeting someone for the first time
More about Sharon:
I am a retired early childhood educator. I have written and recorded eight children's books, which are in the process of being published. I love reading to children all over the world, especially those who are in hospitals or ill at home. I enjoy speaking on podcasts, sharing my journey and talking about my books. Giving back to the world is what throws me out of bed each and every day.
I want to help anyone that I can who has experienced a loss during pregnancy. It is especially important to me to change the way that people speak to others, with insensitivity and incessant questions. The more that we talk about these issues, the more that we will be able to change the trajectory of this narrative.
Connect with Sharon:
-Send her an email
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-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Nechamie Stefansky joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-having endured struggle earlier on in her life
-her fear of infertility
-why it was important for her to talk about her story
-how secondary infertility has healed parts of her she wasn’t ready to face until she had no choice
-how grieving her two losses (a miscarriage and chemical pregnancy) was an important piece of her healing, and how yoga grounded her during this journey
-how she tries to maintain a positive but realistic attitude, which helps her have strength to move forward
More about Nechamie:
I live in Monsey, NY with my husband and two beautiful daughters. I’m a yoga instructor for both adults and children, as well as a remedial teacher. I’m doing my best to navigate the challenges of secondary infertility, while also finding joy and peace in my life.
Connect with Nechamie:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Reach out to her by email
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-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
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DISCLAIMER: This episode talks about the original sources where infertilty and pregnancy loss are discussed. Topics and ideas mentioned here may be triggering or comforting for people, depending on where you are on your journey. Please be advised.
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Hadassah Shemtov, the cofounder of the “Batsheva Learning Center” joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-a number of the sources that discuss infertility and pregnancy loss
-her hope that having this knowledge could help shape the way people process and relate to some of the difficult experiences that they are having on their journey
-the concept of being “busy with” Pe’ru U’revu (being fruitful and multiply) versus “fulfilling” the mitzvah (commandment) of Pe’ru U’revu
-how adoption or raising someone else’s child is considered the same as being a biological parent
-the essential value of a jewish soul, from the time of conception, even if that soul doesn’t become a live child
More about Hadassah:
Hadassah co-founded Batsheva Learning Center in 2015 and continues to shape the organization’s vision and direct its ongoing activities. She is passionate about education and excited about creating innovative learning opportunities for women. She lives in Los Angeles where she directs the Beis Midrash track at Ohel Chana High School.
Connect with Hadassah:
-Follow Batsheva Learning Center on Instagram
-Check out their courses
-Subscribe to her Substack
-Listen to their podcast
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Connect with us on LinkedIn
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Michelle (Malka) Grunstein, LMFT CATC-IV, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-how she has always known that she wants to be a mother
-how she decided that by the time she was 30, if she didn't meet someone, she would take steps to do this by herself
-her multiple failed relationships including a broken engagement
-insensitive comments like, "you better start trying now because you're running out of time" from her fertility doctors
-multiple fertility treatments and 3 miscarriages
-her continued journey on this path
She shares the unvarnished story about how steadfast one sometimes needs to be in order to fulfill their dreams.
More about Michelle (Malka) Grunstein:
Michelle is a licensed therapist who is multifaceted. Some of her specialties include child and adolescent development, addiction, trauma (EMDR), grief, depression, and anxiety. She is currently the Clinical Director and Executive Director of multiple dual diagnosis treatment centers, catering to those struggling with mental health and addiction. Michelle's difficult childhood lead her to become a therapist as a young adult and she has built her career with the focus of helping others. Despite attempts at dating and building a family throughout adulthood, she has been unable to do so due to a combination of infertility and not finding "the one". Michelle has chosen to fulfill her dream of becoming a mom through the use of a donor and has been on the journey of becoming a solo mom by choice for the last few years.
Connect with Michelle:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
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-Connect with us on LinkedIn
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rachel Shanken joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her journey to becoming an adoptive parent, something she never envisioned herself doing
-the heartbreaking conversation as a single woman in her 30s when her doctors said that she may never have biological children
-getting married, but then struggled through the ups and downs of umpteen failed cycles to try to get pregnant, first with her eggs and then with donor eggs (and a devastating miscarriage)
-her three adopted children and her journey to bring them into her life This is a story of persistence, hope and resilience that you are not going to want to miss.
More about Rachel:
Rachel Shanken, a devoted mother, embraced adoption after a challenging journey through IVF with her husband. Their unwavering desire for a family led them to choose adoption as their path to parenthood. With 15+ years of experience as a NYC-based somatic therapist (www.MindBodyWise.com), Rachel blends her deep understanding of infertility and assisted reproduction with her therapeutic knowledge to assist people with the complex emotional terrain of fertility, offering compassionate and non-judgmental support along their unique paths to parenthood.
Connect with Rachel:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Ellie Levi, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her story of becoming a SIM: Single Intentional Mom to her 3 year old daughter, Ayelet HaShachar
-her thought process and emotions about each stage of the process
-the experience of being one of the first to her freeze eggs in her community
-how she tried to stay true to halacha (jewish law) throughout
-the many ups (some very funny moments!) and downs (lack of support from some people in her life, insensitive comments, etc.)
The thing about Ellie is that she's so articulate, meticulous and intelligent - it's clear that she has investigated every area of this journey, and just like Rachel said to Yaakov/Jacob, "I am dead without children," Ellie felt that being a mother was her calling. This is her remarkable journey.
More about Ellie:
Elisheva [Ellie] Levi is a licensed architect in the state of New York and has designed schools, hospitals , high rise residential, transportation and infrastructure facilities. She is a self-described life-long student of Tanach and to that end she has given Torah lectures in Jewish communities across the US and in several countries around the world. You can listen to recordings of her shiurim on yutorah.org and OU Women’s Initiative. She has been published in the YU Torah to Go, the Times of Israel blog, the New York Times Metropolitan Diary and Architectural Record Magazine. Ellie also serves as the past President of the American Friends of Bat Melech, a domestic violence shelter serving the religious community in Israel, an organization for which she continues to volunteer. She is also the lucky SMBC (Single Mom by Choice) of her daughter Ayelet HaShachar and they reside in Northern New Jersey.
Connect with Ellie:
-Follow her on Instagram
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-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Elissa Felder joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her years of primary infertility, coupled with the devastating loss of her infant son
-her book, “From One Life to the Next Life: The Sacred Passage After Death,” which has become a lifeline for those navigating the churning waters of grief
-her raw, soul-baring journey from paralyzing grief to living a life infused with purpose and passion
-words of wisdom gathered from Elissa's personal life and expertise on living a fuller, more intentional life
More about Elissa:
Elissa started and actively manages the only international community of practice for women engaged with traditional Chevra Kadisha (Burial Society). The community mission is to share experiences, give encouragement, network, learn together and help to develop and support each other. She is responsible for building the community and providing on-going professional development. The knowledge she has acquired motivated her to write a personal memoir of loss and grief weaving in Jewish teachings about life, death and afterlife. Her book, “From One Life to the Next Life: The Sacred Passage After Death,” was published by Mosaica Press. She is also the head of the women’s division of the Rhode Island Chevra Kadisha and is a sought after speaker on topics of life, death, the work of the Chevra Kadisha and grief. In addition, Elissa is the Coordinator for all of Core’s Communities of Practice. These communities offer training, resources and support for those who want to strengthen their communities on an intentional and ongoing basis. In her role, Elissa helps each of these many international communities grow and thrive. Locally, Elissa Founder and Director of Core Connects RI, a non-profit organization that aims to deepen women’s connections to one another, to Jewish wisdom and Jewish values, to empower each other to find greater meaning, purpose and possibility in life and to cultivate unity without uniformity. As director she is passionate about providing others with opportunities to grow and become. She runs programming both online and in person. Elissa works tirelessly to bring Jews together and celebrates the commonalities rather than the differences. Through all of these experiences Elissa mentors and encourages others on their journeys and even finds time to teach a weekly Parsha class.
Connect with Elissa:
-Contact her via email
-Check out her website
-Purchase her book
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-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shirel Korobkin and Shani Weinmann Kay join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the realities of the fertility community in Israel, one year after October 7th
-what the last 365 days has been for them personally and as individuals who have taken active roles in trying to hold space for others
-advice to those of us who live in the diaspora, as to how we can best support our friends and family there, and be a light to them and they manage this difficult time
-Shirel speaks about her grief work @IWSTHAB
-Shani speaks about sharing her miscarriage publicly with @timesofisrael
More about Shirel:
Shirel Korobkin moved from Toronto to Israel in 2020 and now lives in Harish. She works as a Grief Educator and Group Support Lead for English speakers at "I Was Supposed To Have A Baby," a Jewish fertility and pregnancy loss organization. Shirel is also actively involved in building the English-speaking community in Harish through events and shiurim.
Connect with Shirel:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Join one of Shirel's support groups
More about Shani:
Shani Weinmann Kay was born in Atlanta, Georgia and grew up in the Jewish community of Toco Hills. She attended Torah Day School of Atlanta and Yeshiva Atlanta before coming to Midreshet Harova and then joining the IDF, serving as a Combat Medic in the Artillery Brigade. She has a degree in Dance, is studying Psychology, and is a reservist in Search and Rescue.
Connect with Shani:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Learn more about her family's nonprofit The Eli Kay Project
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Aliza Tropper, LMHC, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the emotions that come up during the quest to build a family
-the guilt, shame, sadness, anxiety, inadequacy, etc., and how they manifest
-suggestions on how to make these deep feelings more manageable, like self-soothing, mini-breaks, reaching out for support and even medication if things become too overwhelming This line really stuck with me- “if you don’t grieve, you spend the rest of your life grieving.” We all need to take the time and space to feel all the feelings, but make sure you are taking care of yourself in the process too!
More about Aliza:
Aliza Tropper, LMHC, is a Licensed Psychotherapist with over 12 years of experience. Based in Cedarhurst, NY, her practice specializes in helping adolescents and adults navigate anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and trauma. Aliza takes a holistic approach, incorporating techniques like EMDR, Sensorimotor (somatic) psychotherapy, CBT, and DBT to facilitate long-lasting transformation in alignment with personal values. Aliza’s practice also runs DBT groups for both adolescents and adults and offers online therapy in NY, NJ and Florida.
Connect with Aliza:
-Take a look at her website
-Check out her women's DBT groups
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Tee Simpser joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her diabetes diagnosis which she received when she was 12, which made it natural for her to share when she had trouble getting pregnant
-her 6 years of primary infertility
-heartbreaking disappointments, life-threatening complications and all kinds of insensitive comments
-how she saw herself in the Chana/Penina story from the Book of Shmuel (book of Samuel), as she longed to be a mother, while watching everyone else around her get pregnant
-her consideration of adoption at one point Spoiler alert: Tee does have two children, but her story teaches so many powerful lessons- 1- share your pain so that you can get the support you need 2-Call people out when they are making you uncomfortable
More about Tee:
Tee Simpser is a Jewish, modern Orthodox woman living the happily hectic life of an educator, wife, and mom to 2 miracle babies. One of Tee’s biggest goals in life is to destroy stigmas by talking about taboo topics like physical/mental health and infertility awareness.
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Esther Rollhaus, MD, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-all aspects of reproductive psychiatry
-the reasons why someone would reach out
-how meds are used as an adjunct to therapy
-the many safe and effective treatments that can be used before, during and after pregnancy
-many of the myths about meds
More about Esther Rollhaus, MD:
Dr. Esther Rollhaus is an adult, child, and reproductive psychiatrist in private practice in Riverdale, NY and via telepsychiatry to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Florida. A graduate of Stern College for Women, Icahn School of Medicine, and Montefiore Medical Center, she has a particular interest in reproductive and perinatal psychiatry. She has presented at national and international conferences on women’s mental health, infertility, and family therapy.
Connect with Dr. Rollhaus:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
-Give her a call at (347) 380-5714
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-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rachel Daar Cohen joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-a powerful, raw, and deeply emotional story of resilience after a tremendous amount of struggle
-her struggle with infertility, trauma, grief, addiction, and endometriosis
-how kindness is so important as we never know what people are really going through
More about Rachel:
Rachel Cohen is a firm believer that sharing some of her life experiences and struggles will help other women feel less alone. Preschool special ed teacher by day and writer by night, Rachel is dedicated to shining a light on difficult topics and shattering stigmas through her written and spoken word. Since struggling with endometriosis, infertility and medical trauma for many years, Rachel has become a proud advocate for others with endo and she now works hard to arm women with the accurate information necessary to take control of their own disease and get the proper medical care they deserve. Rachel lives with her husband, two children and dog in Houston, TX.
Connect with Rachel:
-Check out her blog
-Send her an email
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-Check out our Website
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-Watch our TikToks
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chavie Bruk joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-pain and the way it changes over time
-her and her husband's permanent infertility
-adopting 5 children at different ages (some as newborns and some later in life)
-her grieving the loss of a biological child
-how grief morphs and changes with the passage of time, but how it doesn’t really go away (and that’s okay!)
-how sitting and immersing yourself in the sadness can actually make it a easier to hold
-forgiving yourself when there is communal pain on top of personal pain
-and how it’s pretty impossible to be able to hold both
Connect with Chavie:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Peri Lyman joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her two amazing daughters
-one of whom has special needs and the other of a free spirit, loving life
-her experience getting asked if she’s a grandmother yet and the questions that make her crazy
-how it feels to be asked insensitive questions
-what are the kinds of things that should always be off limits
-the best my way is to approach these kinds of situations
More about Peri:
Peri Lyman is the founder of Loaleinu.com, Mom of adult children, friend of the friendless, weirdo sympathizer, offbeat chick living in a mainstream Jewish community with NO grandchildren.
Connect with Peri:
-Check out her website
-Follow her on instagram
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-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Ricki Steiner joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her primary infertility journey this far
-why she decide to start talking openly about her struggles on social media
-how she feels when people tell her they’re praying for her (with a whole sidebar on her relationship with G-d right now)
-how she deals with insensitive comments
-what tools she uses to keep herself afloat
More about Ricki:
Ricki Steiner lives in Houston, Texas with her husband and dog Crimson. She currently works in marketing for a fragrance company. Her goal on social media has always been (and will alway be) to make people feel seen and heard, not matter the struggle.
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Talia Mizrahi, Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist Certified Grief Educator, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-how to talk to children about grief and loss
-sharing news in a way that is developmentally appropriate for each child
-normalizing the greiving process for children by explaining that you may be sad one day and not the next
-making sure that each child knows that they are not their feelings by explaining that you can feel sad, but you're not a sad person
More about Talia:
Talia is trained as an Early Childhood Mental Health Specialist and is a Certified Grief Educator. She has a passion for authentic conversations and believes deeply in the power of connection as people share their stories of loss and integration in the context of a caring community. Talia found tremendous comfort in the relationships she built with fellow-grievers in the aftermath of her own loss, and has pivoted professionally to make grief support her primary focus (and love!). She facilitates a grief group for adults under the supervision of grief expert David Kessler, runs an in-person group at a local children's grief center, and educates on grief-informed practice in several arenas. Talia feels it is an honor and privilege to be invited to walk alongside those in grief, and she is humbled to be able to hold space for others at their most vulnerable moments. Talia lives in Cincinnati, and when she is not drinking dark roast coffee or making up silly rhyming songs to amuse her children, she daydreams about curling up on the couch with a good book.
Connect with Talia:
-Send her an email
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her LinkedIn
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-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rabbi Elchanan Poupko joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-his recent piece about the insensitivity in the orthodox community to people who are struggling to have a child
-his personal story of infertility and the pain he and his wife carried for all those years
-how their infertility challenges made him a passionate voice for those who are still in the trenches
-practical takeaways on what you can say and do to ease some of the pain
More about Rabbi Poupko:
Rabbi Elchanan Poupko is a writer, a teacher, and a rabbi. Rabbi Poupko has written hundreds of articles in three languages on topics ranging from Jewish law, to current events, and infertility in the Jewish community. He is the host of The Jewish World podcast. He lives with his family in New Haven, Connecticut.
Connect with Rabbi Poupko:
-Follow him on Instagram
-Check out his posts on Threads
-Watch his videos on YouTube
-Follow him on X
-Read some of his articles; Infertility Lack of Awareness Month, Jewish holiday guide to friends, family of childless people, Fertility: Children Are Not Shawarma, IVF for agunot: A welcome change, A miscarriage never ends at a miscarriage, Your IVF Child Does Not Need ‘Koshering’, Lech Lecha: Infertile Nation, Nothing immoral about IDF IVF, The loneliness of Orthodox infertility
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rachel Goldberg LMFT, PMH joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-binge and restrictive eating habits and how that can affect fertility
-the reasons why disordered eating or exercise can cause fertility issues
-the guilt and shame that go along with this these diagnoses
-the small changes suggestions people can make to try to get them out of a destructive feeding pattern
-her thoughts on ozempic and other meds that have been linked to increased fertility success and how that plays a role in someone’s habits
This article on safe exercises that CAN be done during fertility treatments was also mentioned in this episode.
More about Rachel:
Rachel Goldberg is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Los Angeles, specializing in eating disorders, perinatal mental health, and infertility, with a special focus on third-party reproduction. As a certified perinatal fitness instructor and personal trainer, Rachel's background enriches her approach to navigating body image, disordered eating, and fitness in relation to fertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. She is also a regular contributor to various media outlets.
Connect with Rachel:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
-See her posts on X
-Reach out to her via email
Contact us:
-Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-TikTok
-YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Reva Schlanger Peyser MS, RD, CDN joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-a myriad of issues surrounding fertility in regard to body image and eating disorders
-how people feel like their body is failing them during the struggle to build a family
-how people might use eating, nutrition, exercise to try to take back some control
-rigid behaviors that can be detrimental to helping people find balance with their body
-practical suggestions on how people can ground themselves, even when things feel so out of control
More about Reva:
Reva Schlanger Peyser MS, RD, CDN is a registered dietitian specializing in counseling those who struggle with eating disorders and/or disordered eating. She has experience working in many different eating disorder treatment facilities and is not practicing in the private practice space. Reva’s mission is to help clients heal their relationship with food and body. In her free time, Reva loves to cook and spend quality time with her family including her golden retriever, Daisy. For Reva, life's all about relishing the flavors, both on the plate and in the heart.
Connect with Reva:
-Send her an email
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-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Curt Sechrist joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-his fertility journey, with the backdrop of becoming part of the Jewish community
-his childhood and when he realized that he was gay
-his experience of being exposed to more of Jewish culture and religion, and how that became an even bigger part of his life when he met his future husband, Adam
-his decision to convert
-why they chose to adopt instead of pursuing surrogacy
-their adoption process and the incredible journey that brought them to their son
More about Curt:
Curt is a former Broadway and TV actor turned Jewish professional. He was raised in the UK and spent 15 years working in London before moving to NYC in 2013. He met his husband shortly afterwards and they built their life together before relocating to San Francisco in 2020 where they welcomed their son through open adoption. They moved back to NY in 2022 where most of their friends currently live. Curt is a Jew by Choice and now spends his time thinking about ways to make folks feel welcome in Jewish life and community. Curt and his husband are passionate about telling their adoption story and helping be the example of same sex family building they never had growing up.
Connect with Curt:
-Reach out to him via email
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-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her upbringing, her passion for her job as a community rabbi, and having a stillbirth
-her baby, Leo, who she lost
-what grief looks like when your job is to hold people in their pain
-how she has managed to get through all of it
More about Rabbi Karen Glazer Perolman:
Karen Glazer Perolman is the Senior Associate Rabbi at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, NJ, the congregation she has served since 2008. She studied at the University of Maryland at College Park (2004) followed by Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York (M.A.H.L., 2009; Ordination, 2010). While in rabbinical school Karen had the privilege to serve as a teaching assistant to theology professor Rabbi Eugene B. Borowitz, z”l. She sits on the board of Project Kesher and was a member of the CCAR Taskforce on Women in the Rabbinate from 2017-2020. She is a grateful alumnus of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s Clergy Leadership Program and CLAL’s Rabbis Without Borders, GLEAN, and LEAP fellowships. Karen is a voracious reader which fuels her passion to understand the relationships between food, spirituality, politics, Judaism, feminism and social justice. She is married to Liz Glazer, a lawyer-turned-standup comedian and are parents to baby Eloise, teenage cat Jack, and Leo, of blessed memory.
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shira Collings joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her personal experience with recurrent pregnancy loss (4 heartbreaking losses)
-how navigating grief is hard enough after a loss, as most people don’t truly understand what a grieving person needs
-the added layers of being part of the queer community, which brings up other ways that people can feel isolated and alone
-needing to find supports that are LGBTQ+ affirming and grief knowledgeable (almost a unicorn!)
-the guilt and shame they carry (thinking the loss is their fault because of their lifestyle choices)
-the judgement they might face from people about family building
More about Shira:
Shira Collings, MS, NCC, LPC (she/they) is a psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She primarily specializes in eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image, and is especially passionate about providing LGBTQ+-affirming, neurodiversity-affirming, and fat-affirming eating disorder care. Shira’s personal experience with pregnancy loss sparked their passion for supporting those who are struggling to build their families as well.
Connect with Shira:
-Send her an email
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rob Reider joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the stillbirth of his daughter, Lila, in December 2017
-how he dealt with the grief and overwhelming heartache
-how he and his his wife, Tehila, got through those early weeks (spoiler alert- they were both a mess)
-the power of community and finding other men to talk with, who could validate his feelings and let him know he was not alone
More about Rob:
Rob Reider is a musician, father, husband, and Executive Director/Co-Founder of SAD DADS CLUB. He currently lives in Falmouth, Maine with his wife, Tehilah, and their rainbow baby, now four-year old son, Dallas. Rob and Tehilah’s daughter and forever firstborn, Lila, was delivered stillborn at 38 weeks. Rob co-founded SAD DADS CLUB alongside Jay (Bella’s dad) and Chris (Izzy’s dad) as a way for fathers to connect and support one another through the unique complexities of infant and child loss from the father’s perspective. The ever-growing community has created a space for men to be vulnerable, expressive, and supportive with one another. As a community, SAD DADS CLUB is working to redefine masculinity and showcase the strength, power, and benefits of being emotionally in touch and expressive in a healthy way. SAD DADS CLUB helps fellow bereaved fathers navigate life after loss by nurturing a supportive community and providing access to mental health services.
Connect with Rob:
-Check out the SAD DADS CLUB Website
-Follow them on Instagram
-Read their stories
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, David Melamed joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-his 14-year struggle to have a child
-his candid and heartfelt discussion of the most painful and challenging moments
-the sources of strength and upliftment on this journey
-his courage and emotional depth
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the male psyche and the profound pain of infertility
More about David:
David Melamed is originally from Denver and moved back to his hometown about 10 years ago. He runs a search marketing agency with his beautiful wife, Chani. He got married at 28, and now, 14 years later, he still wonders if he was supposed to rub the esrog jelly counter-clockwise, and that’s why the gods are punishing him with this infertility rollercoaster.
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Jen Blumenfeld joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the story of her 3 beautiful children, some of whom came into this world through donor eggs (you'll have to listen to find out which ones!)
-longing for a child and having multiple failed cycles
-how Jen and her husband came to considering donor eggs
-Jen's relationship with her donor, unlike an anonymous donor, Jen knew her donor, which made the decision so much easier for her
-building her family with the help of science and a modern-day miracle
-the idea of epigenetics - what comes from your biology, what comes from your environment
-parenting all her children and ensuring they get the love and attention they need
More about Jen:
Jen Blumenfeld lives in Oakland, California, with her husband, three daughters, and their energetic 12-year-old doodle puppy. A Bay Area native, Jen has always been deeply engaged in the Jewish community, consistently contributing as a lay leader. From helping establish the Mission Minyan nineteen years ago to serving on membership and outreach committees at her synagogue, and leading parent committees at her children's schools, Jen dedicates her free time to building and nurturing Jewish community. Jen has a background in fashion, retail, and e-commerce. For the past three years, she has been a stay-at-home mom to her three girls. Jen has served on the Hasidah board for the past seven years, where she is passionately committed to normalizing infertility in all its forms and assisting couples in their journey to parenthood. Having experienced the pain of infertility herself, Jen understands the significant financial burdens and socio-emotional challenges it presents. Being a recipient of donor eggs, she deeply believes that helping someone become a parent is the greatest gift one can offer.
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Elana Frank, CEO of Jewish Fertility Foundation, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her own fertility journey - the tale of a woman who will go to any length to build her family
-doing IUIs in a doctor's home in Israel to turning to IVF back in the States and then choosing a donor embryo for her last child
-her experience with secondary infertility - the yearning for another child while feeling guilty for not being happy with the two children she already had
-how she started and grew her organization, Jewish Fertility Foundation, in the midst of her journey
More about Elana:
Elana Frank has 20+ years of experience working with nonprofits (Jewish Community Relations Council of NY, Kfar Hassidim Youth Village in Israel, Jewish Fertility Foundation) through fundraising, marketing, community outreach, volunteer recruitment, board development, and program development. After personally experiencing the pain and loneliness of infertility, yet noticing how lucky she was to have had her journey begin in Israel, where it's free, Elana was inspired to help others. Cost, education, and access were tremendous obstacles for this “unspoken” issue in the Jewish community, so she rallied countless like-minded people and created the Jewish Fertility Foundation. She has since received national attention through awards and public speaking engagements for the work that the Jewish Fertility Foundation has accomplished. Elana lives in Atlanta, GA, with her husband, three boys, and their fish “Devil.”
Connect with Elana:
-Visit JFF's Website
-Check out JFF's Instagram
Connect with us:
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Emily Getz joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-how she and her husband had their first child naturally and never expected that it would be difficult trying to build their family
-her stillbirth and multiple miscarriages, 1 ectopic, 4 rounds of IVF and still no baby
-the grief, shock, loss and heartbreak that were almost pushed to the side as they pursued every possible step in order to try to have another child
-the decision of whether to walk away and be done with this part of their lives, try adoption, do IVF one more time or use donor eggs
-how they came to the realization that using an egg donor was the best chance for a good outcome
-how Emily wanted to connect with her donor, even beyond her looks an decided using a Jewish donor was the thing that helped her transmit some piece of her to a future baby, even if it wasn’t her genetics
Connect with Emily:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her Website
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-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, neonatologist, Dr. Michelle Weissman joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-how she became a single mother by choice...to 4 children
-how this was never her "plan A" and she didn't even consider becoming a parent until she was in her 30s, with no dating prospects on the horizon
-the process of how and why she got comfortable with the idea
-how she broke the news to her parents and their reaction and her entire fertility journey
-her support system, her community's reaction to her children, and what her kids think about being raised by a single mother
More about Michelle:
Michelle Weissman MD is a neonatologist in Bergen County, NJ and the proud mother by choice to 4 amazing boys, ages 14, 12 (twins) and 10. Growing up in the modern orthodox community, this path was never “Plan A” for her, but she has been surrounded by a warm and supportive family and community. She shares her story to give hope and strength to those still waiting to build the family of their dreams.
Connect with Michelle:
-Send her an email
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Eric Surrey, Rabbi Idit Solomon, and Lori Metz join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the most frequently asked questions about donor conception
-who considers using a donor
-how one picks a donor
-the emotions that people typically grapple with
-who needs to know that you are using a donor (the egg salad comment was so great here!)
-how the Jewish community relates to donor-conceived children
Spoiler alert: Dr. Surrey was the doctor that Rabbi Solomon used for her donor-conceived children, and she talks all about that here. If you are thinking about embarking on a donor journey, or you are already on that road, this is the episode for you.
More about Dr. Eric Surrey:
Dr. Eric Surrey is a Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist at CCRM Colorado. He is past President of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, Society of Reproductive Surgeons and the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society and currently serves on the Executive Council of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.
More about Rabbi Idit Solomon:
Rabbi Idit Solomon is the founder of Hasidah. Rabbi Solomon earned a Master's Degree in Jewish Education and led the Department of Jewish Education in Columbus, OH. She is also an alumnus of the Rabbis Without Borders program and a member of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality's Clergy Leadership Program.
More about Lori Metz:
Lori Metz, LCSW, CCM, BC-THM, is a therapist, author, creator, and host of LIFE, love, insight, fertility, experiences podcast, manages support groups, workshops, and speaks publicly. She has worked in health care for over twenty years in various settings such as hospitals, home care, health insurance, and patient safety oversight organizations, serving an array of communities. Her expertise on mental health, how to process and cope with infertility psychologically and emotionally, pursuing third-party reproduction to build your family, deciding to redefine your vision of family as well as communication skills, relationship strategies, self-care, nurturing, and more. She encourages curiosity and changing your perspective when going through treatment and using gratitude to cope. Her profound understanding of those providing care, needing care, and paying for care has allowed her to develop successful strategic campaigns and programs across the country. She is currently organizing an initiative to add donor conception and adoption to the medical intake process by replacing the category “other” with donor and adoption. The change will improve health outcomes while reducing unnecessary costs.
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Taliya Corbett joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the story of her daughter, Ora, who was stillborn, after having 4 healthy boys
-how she was raised as a Muslim, and fell in love with Judaism (and her husband, Ari) and converted at 26
-dealing with secondary infertility after she had her first -how she always wanted to have a girl and the difficult pregnancy with her daughter (she had preeclampsia and Ora was also on the small side)
-the huge shock that Ora was stillborn
-the delivery, her grief process and how she tries her best to be the best mother she can to all her children
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chari Pere joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her miscarriage, a harrowing experience of losing a very wanted pregnancy
-how she wanted to take her skills and talent and use it to help people all over the world fell less alone
-how she decided to tell her story via cartoons
-why she wanted to tell her story via the Jewish lens and gives her suggestions on how to get through this kind of a loss. -her series of cartoons, “Miscarried: An Unspoken Cartoonmentary”
Connect with Chari:
-Follow her on Instagram
-View her portfolio
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chani Melamed joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-getting married at 26 years old
-her 14 year marriage to her husband without children
-how she has been able to remain positive and have a zest for life despite her challenges with fertility
-how she chooses to enjoy life each and every day through her "go-getter" attitude
-how she remains hopeful after all this time
Connect with Chanie:
-Follow her on Instagram
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-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shira Collings MS, NCC, LPC joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-eating disorders, body image, and fertility journeys
-how each of them, separately or together, can make Passover challenging
-giving yourself grace to engage with the eating restrictions as little or as much as you want
-setting boundaries on conversation topics or triggers
-leaning into ritual to make the holiday meaningful for you
Connect with Shira:
-Email her at shira@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Tzipora Grodko joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-7 pain points people in the singles and fertility community feel as when they are hosted by family or friends for the holidays
-the heaviness in your heart when you are struggling with infertility
-how people are treated when they are a guest in someone’s home
-what people can do to create a safe space for all their guests
Connect with Tzipora:
-Follow her on Instagram
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-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Elisheva Levitt joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the surrogacy story of her twins, who were born after three heartbreaking pregnancy losses and years of searching for a surrogate
-the pregnancy of her first child that left her with a blood incompatibility and her body attacked any subsequent attempts to try to bring another baby into this world
-how she and her husband began researching surrogacy as their last resort to try to build the family
-how she got through all her losses, the miraculous story of finding her surrogate, about the pregnancy, and how she told her children about their birth story
Connect with Elisheva:
-Follow her on Instagram
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-Check out our Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Aliza Konig, Reena Bloom and Chana Shaffer join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-what brought them to surrogacy
-how they navigated that journey
-how they managed their family and friends during the process
-how Reena and Chana had previous pregnancies, and surrogacy was chosen as a miraculous way they could grow their families
-the time spent raising awareness and sensitivity about surrogacy
-helping others navigate this process
Connect with the guests:
-Email info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Sahar Wertheimer, Peggy Cottrell and Rachel Sentchuk join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Rachel's story about testing positive for BRCA1 at 21 and then taking control of her health and her future with testing and egg freezing at 25 -Dr. Wertheimer's advice on the options a patient with a gene mutation or cancer diagnosis has in terms of fertility treatments, and the “numbers funnel” of egg freezing -Peggy's advocacy on the importance of giving people information about testing and choices to intervene as they might learn about a cancer diagnosis in themselves or family member
-Peggy's experience as a genetic counselor with @sharsheretofficial and how she supports people in the decisions they make regarding their health and fertility, and how she connects patients with peers to get more support
Connect with us:
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Abby Brody joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her experience being thrust into the world of breast cancer
-how that diagnosis was complicated by the fact that she was pregnant
-how cancer has affected her ability to have more children right now
-the challenging process of freezing embryos
-the pain that ensues when people ask when she’s going to have more children -advice for people who want to help and what organizations helped her along the journey @boneiolam, @atimeheart and @livestrong and the WhatsApp group “wonder women.”
Connect with Abby:
-Follow and message her on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Carrie Bornstein joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Her experiences as a surrogate
-The thoughts and feelings that led to her decision to become a surrogate
-Her decisionmaking in telling her children about her surrogacy journey
-The agency she worked with, the legal process, and the matching that takes place
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Ariella Azaraf, LCSW joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-what you can do to unlock your inner voice and not be afraid of what it is saying
-what gets in the way of trusting yourself
-how to create boundaries with people/environment that make you doubt yourself
-how to get to know the real “you” and how to access your intuition
Connect with Ariella:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her Website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Eli Weinstein, LCSW joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-different kinds of difficulties that couples can experience when trying to have a baby and how they can overcome them
-what the common issues are that cause relationships to falter
-how guilt and shame factor in, along with the “I didn’t sign up for this” emotion
-how to change the dynamic and foster better communication
Connect with Eli:
-Follow him on Instagram
-Listen to his Podcast
-Check out his Website
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
- Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Beth Moskovic joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-her experience as a relationship coach and kallah teacher
-how to make your relationship better, even during times when you are a niddah
-creating points of connection during the day, sharing emotions and longing to help the other feel close and doing things together with your spouse that are light and fun
-how it’s never too late to start making some changes and how even one tiny thing can make a huge difference
Connect with Beth:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her Website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rachel Tuchman, LMHC joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the most common emotions that people experience while on a fertility journey -when you should seek support -whether medication is safe for fertility treatments and/or pregnancy -common emotions people go through around Purim/Passover and how to manage them
Connect with Rachel:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her Website
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-Check out our Website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rabbi Shmuli Falk, Chana Falk, and Yehonatan Palmer join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-creating Keren Ohr
-the infertility journey of the Falks and the Palmers
-how hashgacha pratis (divine providence) led them to one another
-wanting to trying to enjoy the "journey" as much as possible, while they were waiting for their first child
-how they chose to make the most of their situation, instead of being depressed all the time
-the intentionality of the space(s) they have created for the couple struggling
-wanting it to feel like a respite so that they could reconnect and forget about their pain for a little while
Connect with Keren Ohr:
-Visit their Website
-Send them an Email
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Daniel Landau joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-his story of needing to do IVF for genetic reasons and all the difficult emotions surrounding that
-when they discovered that their “perfect embryo” was miscarrying
-the difficulty in finding support -his path to starting an organization for solely to support men, Men's Helpline, which has a podcast, peer-to-peer support network other resources to help males in crisis
Connect with Daniel:
-Follow Men's Helpline on Instagram
-Check out his Website
-Listen to the Men's Helpline Podcast
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Liz Glazer joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-the moment when everything changed
-when her daughter, Leo Pearl, was stillborn and the aftermath
-growing up not knowing if she was ever going to be able to have a family
-meeting her wife and how they decided to start trying
-how she supported, reacted and coped with her loss through her work, journaling, therapy and bereavement groups Connect with Liz:
-Check out her Instagram
-Listen to "A Very Particular Experience"
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
- Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Cantor Lucy Fishbein, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-How she gets comfort from the fertility stories of the matriarchs and how they suffered
-Her multiple miscarriages, rounds of IVF cycles and transfers
-How she doesn’t have a happy ending and may never have one
-Who she leaned on when she needed support and how she also asked for what she needed
Connect with us:
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YouTube
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Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaya Hott joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Strategies on how she got through the crippling anxiety of that pregnancy
-How rainbow babies don’t “fix” grief
-How to hold joy and grief at the same time (especially in light of the war in Israel)
-Why it’s still painful when people ask her if she’s going to have any more children -how she was able to heal from some of her triggers
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
- Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rabbi Dr. Erin Leib Smokler, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Her surrogacy story filled with laughs, pain, and everything in between
-The guilt that came along with not being able to carry her own child
-Meeting her daughter for the first time and the reactions from the surrogate family during childbirth
-The circle of love surrounding her daughter
To connect with Dr. Smokler, email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org.
Connect with us:
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Devorah Schendler joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Her losses before and after Netanel's birth
-Netanel's pregnancy and when they got the diagnosis of Trisomy 13
-How she coped with having a terminal child and the anger, grief, pain and guilt that went along with that
-How she told her young children, family and community about Netanel's condition and how got through the shock
-Some insensitive comments doctors and neighbors said and her response
-What life has been like since he died 4 years ago
Connect with Devorah:
-Check out her book
-To contact Devorah email her at dschendler@gmail.com
Connect with us:
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rachel Tuchman, LMHC joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Being angry at G-d
-What does it mean?
-Is it allowed?
-How can you be angry and still have a relationship with G-d?
-Is your anger something that G-d understands and/or forgives?
Connect with Rachel:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her Website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shoshana Greenwald joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-The ambivalence of getting pregnant quickly with her first
-The pangs she felt when others got pregnant while she was struggling to have a second child
-The guilt over wanting more children, when she had three already
-An honest and raw reflection on secondary infertility
Connect with Shoshana:
-Follow her on Instagram
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-Check out our Website
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-Watch our TikToks
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shaina Glick joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Her two children and the very different fertility journey that she had to take to have each of them
-The first one that was “relatively” easy, and the other, which was much more difficult
-The years of treatments she went through and a miscarriage
-How she navigates through that pain and what kinds of support she used to get her through it
Connect with Shaina:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
Connect with us:
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this 100th episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Aimee Baron, MD brings back the guests from our most listened to podcast episodes…
-Aliza Abrams Konig discusses her journey with surrogacy and how she disseminates information and resources throughout the community
-Esty Perman shares her experiences of going public with her story, and how she walks the line between sharing her joys without causing pain for others
-Chavie Bruk talks about the family she built through adoption and the lessons she continues to learn on a daily basis
-Lizzy Savetsky shares the gut-wrenching story of how her son entered the world and the strength it took to get her through
-Adelle Bryski talks about how she found meaning in helping others going through similar challenges
-Amy Seroussi shares how she finds comfort amidst the disappointment in numerous failed IVF cycles
-Malki Rodal discusses how her pregnancy after multiple losses was excruciating and terrifying, as she was afraid to trust she would take home a living baby
Look Back at Our Top Episodes:
-Episode 2: My Fertility Story with Esty Perman
-Episode 6: Your Pain is Real with Elizabeth Savetsky
-Episode 17: Perspective Taking with Aliza Abrams Konig
-Episode 23: My Primary Infertility Struggle with Adelle Bryski
-Episode 34: My Triplet Pregnancy with Malki Rodal
-Episode 47: Expectations, Pain, and Adoption with Chavie Bruk
-Episode 81: Finding Light and Meaning in an 11-Year Fertility Journey with Amy Seroussi
Connect with us:
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YouTube
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Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away the Taboo, Dr. Bill Petok joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-The reasons why it’s hard for men to share their emotions
-How men often act when they have gotten a fertility diagnosis
-The do’s and don’ts on what to say to the men in your life when they’re struggling
-Helpful communication strategies between the genders
Connect with Dr. Petok:
-Check out his website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Nasya Miller joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Her egg freezing story and all the emotions she experienced during the process
-How she started considering freezing her eggs in her early thirties
-Her feelings of shame as she started grappling with the idea
-What kinds of supports she had in place before, during and after the process
-Suggestions for people going through egg freezing and for everyone else on how to be supportive
Connect with Nasya Miller:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
- Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Gail Miller, MD joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Her journey in becoming a life coach
-How she handled working with babies and children and what situations were triggering for her
-The experience of grief
-How to validate someone's feelings
Connect with Dr. Miller:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
- Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Aimee Baron, MD talks about...
-Her first second trimester miscarriage, while away from home on a Passover Program
-The anxiety that overcomes you after a loss
-The way her feelings around Pesach time changed moving forward
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Aimee Baron, MD joins Bonei Olam Florida to talk about...
-The thoughts and feelings that come up during pesach
-Tips on managing the stress of the holiday
-Focusing on self-care
-Handling insensitive questions
Connect with Bonei Olam Florida:
-Follow them on Instagram
-Check out their website
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shaindy Siegel joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Her oldest child that was born with a rare genetic disorder for which both she and her husband are carriers
-Raising awareness for genetic testing
-The shame that still exists in pockets of the Jewish community
-How information and testing can help combat some of the fear that people won’t be able to have children if they are carriers of a disorder
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Estie Rose MS, CGC, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Genetic testing, carrier testing and cancer screening as it relates to fertility
-All the information anyone needs to know about carrier screening, PGT-M and PGT-A and cancer screening
-Why genetic testing is important and why she recommends doing it before getting married/thinking about getting pregnant
-How those with a known genetic disorder can have healthy kids -why genetic testing is still more shrouded in some orthodox communities because of the shidduch (matchmaking) system
Connect with JScreen:
-Follow them on Instagram
-Check out their website
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Peri Lyman joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-The many challenges in her life, including a disabled child, a broken marriage, and no grandchildren
-What it is like, being in this stage of life, in this position
-How she navigates all the “Chanis” and “Cathys” who ask impertinent questions
-What to say and what not to say
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this special episode of Talking Away The Taboo, I Was Supposed To Have A Baby and Rabbi David Balto host Program 3 of the Perinatal Loss Summit.
Jewish Ritual Struggles with Perinatal Loss
Although we have a rich and supportive set of rituals for the death of an adult, those that deal with the loss of a pregnancy or an infant are lacking. How do we honor the memory of such a short life? Do we need new rituals to grapple with this type of grief and suffering? What can we do to build ritual tools such as taharah, shmirah, burial, and periods of mourning?
Rabbi Janet Madden, Ph.D, has served as a hospice, hospital, and congregational rabbi. She is a widely-published poet, ritualist, liturgist, and essayist, and finds joy in teaching Torah and creating and officiating soulful lifecycle events. She is the author of a forthcoming book on creative Jewish ritual.
Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin is the founder of the National Council of Jewish Women, Pregnancy Loss Support Program and the author of Tears of Sorrow, Seeds of Hope: A Jewish Spiritual Companion for Infertility and Pregnancy Loss.
Reva Judas created NechamaComfort to help families dealing with perinatal loss after the tragic loss of Reva's firstborn baby, Pesach. Reva's mission is that no one should ever feel alone when experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.
On this special episode of Talking Away The Taboo, I Was Supposed To Have A Baby and Rabbi David Balto host Program 2 of the Perinatal Loss Summit.
Time Does Not Heal All Wounds: The Wisdom of Grieving Perinatal Loss
The experience of pregnancy loss as a disenfranchised or ambiguous loss can be confusing and isolating to grieving parents and family members. We will explore the language of compassion and connection surrounding the bereaved with support and a pathway forward through grief.
Dvora Entin, LCSW, PMH-C specializes in reproductive and perinatal mental health, is a clinical consultant for Yesh Tikva and Knafayim and a lead trainer for Postpartum Support International, recently launching a two-day advanced training in Perinatal Loss. Dvora is an adjunct professor at Wurzweiler School of Social Work, teaching Maternal Mental Health, and maintains a group practice of specialized licensed therapists serving PA, NJ, NY, & Israel.
Nancy Berlow, LCSW, has been the Clinical Supervisor of the Pregnancy Loss Support Program (PLSP) of the National Council of Jewish Women, New York Section since 2011. She trains and supervises volunteer counselors who provide care for PLSP’s bereaved clients, work that includes facilitating support groups and conducting one-on-one telephone counseling sessions. Nancy has been in the field of providing support to bereaved parents and educating medical professionals for 25 years.
On this special episode of Talking Away The Taboo, I Was Supposed To Have A Baby and Rabbi David Balto host Program 1 of the Perinatal Loss Summit.
Grappling with Loss: The Personal Stories
Two parents will describe how they grappled with the challenges of premature death, dealt with religious obligations, and created a path for spiritual healing.
Rabbi Ilan Glazer is the Co-Founder of the Our Love Continues Facebook group, a space for Jewish parents who have experienced miscarriage, end of a wanted pregnancy, stillbirth, or death of a child to find meaning, resources, and community. Ilan and his wife Sherri helped start the group in response to the stillbirth of their son Shemaryah Zichri in January 2022. Ilan is also the Founder and Director of Our Jewish Recovery, which exists to uplift the hearts and souls of everyone impacted by addiction in the Jewish community. Ilan is working on an album of original melodies Shemaryah helped bring to the world. Ilan and Sherri hope and pray that he is at peace, surrounded by his ancestors, and that his melodies will bring comfort and healing to all who need it.
Cantor Hinda Eisen Labovitz is the co-spiritual leader of Ohr Kodesh Congregation in Chevy Chase, MD. She is the mother of four children, including Ronen (z"l) who died in infancy of a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. In Ronen's memory, Cantor Labovitz did a year-long study of the entire Tanakh/Hebrew Bible, and continues to teach about grief and loss, in particular about how bereaved parents are represented (or aren't) in the Bible. Her reflections on study and ongoing living with grief are published here.
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Michael Bleicher, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Relationship challenges that can come up when a couple is dealing with any kind of fertility challenge
-How you can support each other through it
-Practical examples on how to gently get someone talking when they are shut down
-How to make space for the person who needs to vent
-How can we let people know we are worried about them without seeming overbearing
Connect with Michael:
-Follow him on Instagram
-Check out his profile on Psychology Today
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rabbi Johnny Solomon joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-His approach to life and struggle
-Knowing one's needs and acknowledging the struggle
-How G-d can be with us during our pain, rather than viewed as causing our pain
-How we can emulate being with someone during their pain
Connect with Rabbi Johnny:
-Follow him on Instagram
-Check out his website
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away the Taboo, Kayla Haber-Goldstein joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-How to think about struggle
-Tests
-What happens when Gd says no
Connect with Kayla:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her book on Amazon
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
WARNING: the description of dead babies starts with about 17 minutes left. Please skip if that would be too painful for you.
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaya Hott joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Her anger at G-d, how that’s not something negative or forbidden, but a demonstration of a her relationship with Him
-Her anger at man, which she thought initially was also anger at G-d, when she was told that she was not able to know where her stillborn baby was buried
Her retelling of this part of her story is painful and gory at times, but one that all of you must hear.
Connect with Chaya:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chanie Wassner joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-The unfairness of modern society placing undue emphasis on a women’s fertility (while not talking about a man’s fertile potential)
-Egg freezing and why it’s not all it’s cracked up to be (see what I did there?)
-The perils of single parenthood, and the false assumptions people make about singles
-Practical suggestions on what we as individuals and society can do to make this a little easier for anyone in this position
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Jenna Bishop Sharp joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Growing up in a secular home and her return to Judaism in college
-Her three miscarriages in the early part of her marriage
-How her cycle shifted over time
-Missing her fertile window because of taharas hamishpacha
-Her emotions as she discovered what’s wrong, how she became angry with G-d, and how she’s finding her way back
Connect with Jenna:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our Website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Watch our TikToks
-Follow us on Facebook
-Watch us on YouTube
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Taling Away The Taboo, Meria Albert joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-Her fertility journey as a Rebbetzin in the YU (Yeshiva University) world -Sharing responsibilities with her husband
-Living in the public eye
-The genetic pre-mutation of Fragile X, secondary infertility due to ovarian insufficiency and the eventual birth of two of her children using an Egg Donor
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Amy Seroussi, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-How she and her husband have navigated 11 years of highs and lows in the quest to have a child
-Her miscarriage, several chemical pregnancies, ovarian hyperstimulation, and ovarian torsion
-The experiences that have been the most challenging, the things that have given her strength, and how she and her husband cope differently
-Her intentionality of wanting to share what has helped her get through all these years and how difficult life challenges, specifically regarding fertility, don't define her
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Aimee Baron, MD talks about…
-Her own personal experiences with loss
-How she grieved her losses
-The person that helped her during that time
-Why she started I Was Supposed To Have A Baby
Connect with Aimee:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Sarah Rivka Kohn, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her own experiences with loss
-The stigma surrounding infertility and loss
-Insensitive comments made to those who are grieving
-Many of the feelings and emotions surrounding losing a loved one
Connect with Sarah:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Judith Frankiel, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Losing her son, Aiden, to SIDS
-What that day was like for her and how she grieved in the following weeks
-Navigating the grief, pain, comments, and all of the horribleness
-How Judaism helped and hindered the grieving process
- Suggestions on how people can help themselves through this kind of a tragedy and how you can help others who are reeling from this pain
Connect with Judith:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Listen to her podcast
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Alex from Lizush, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-The behind the scenes of our Pamper Packages
-Her incredible fertility story (20+ rounds of IVF!)
-Why Lizush is so special as a company
-How they make their products and pack our special pamper packages.
All proceeds of our boxes go to IWSTHAB - buy them for yourself or someone you know who needs a hug in their life! Link to purchase is in our bio.
Connect with Lizush:
-Buy Lizush products
-Shop our pamper packages
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Melissa Lindsey, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-The donor conceived community
-The supports they offer for children who are donor conceived
-The programs they run for the parents of donor conceived people and the DCPs themselves
-Her personal story
Connect with Melissa:
-Check out Donor Conceived Community’s website
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Lori Metz, LSCW, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Third party reproduction
-How to come to terms with this possibility
-What kinds of emotions one goes through when faced with this option
-Should you tell your child? And if yes, when should you tell them?
-How to give yourself grace and love when going through all of this
Connect with Lori:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rachel Honeyman and Tzvi Doron join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Not wanting to have children, wanting to try and discovering male infertility
-Multiple surgeries to try to extract sperm.
-Contemplation about using a sperm donor
-Multiple rounds of IVF
-Their fertility journey
Connect with Rachel and Tzvi:
-Follow Rachel on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Keshet Starr joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her diagnosis of PCOS in her late teens
-How and when she told her future husband about her diagnosis
-The long-winded journey to have each of her children
-The real and raw pain of secondary infertility
Connect with Keshet:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Abbie Sophia, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her fertility story of multiple IUIs, failed IVF transfers, reductions, difficult pregnancies
-Her road to having her three children
-Her strength, hope, faith and resilience
Connect with Abbie:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Abbe Feder joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Why passover was so difficult
-Practical suggestions on how to make it a little easier
-The Affirmation Cards she created, which don’t include any toxic positivity
Connect with Abbe:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Follow InCircle Fertility on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chani Melamed joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her experience with infertility over 11 years
-How to take care of yourself during the holiday
-How to deal with others who are not as sensitive
-Gd and how she relates to Him during this holiday and through her years of struggle
Connect with Chani:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Breindy @futuremominthemaking and Tamar @talesoftamar join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-How to manage Passover during infertility
-Dealing with holiday stresses
-Suggestions on what everyone else can do to help when they know someone is struggling
Connect with Breindy and Tamar:
-Follow Breindy on Instagram
-Follow Tamar on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Risa Levine, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her own personal story, riddled with pain and disappointment
-How her marriage failed in the middle of her own IVF journey
-Her four miscarriages
-The ups and downs, how she managed her sadness, and worked to change the lives of so many struggling to have a baby
-Her life as a childless single woman, what things trigger her and how she copes
Connect with Risa:
-Follow Risa on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Lielle Sugar, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her fertility journey
-The process of trying for two years to get pregnant naturally
-Early morning appointments, needle-phobia, fruitless IUIs, two miscarriages, estrace-induced emotional breakdowns before finally having her two IVF children
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Aimee Baron, MD goes solo to answer some of your most asked questions. She will talk about…
-How to handle a baby shower if you’re dealing with primary infertility
-How to be a supportive mother/mother-in-law
-How to suggest to people that they might want to check out this page/nonprofit
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Romy Shulman, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-How to survive Purim
-Going to a smaller megilla reading with fewer kids
-Giving gifts of food to people who have supported you during your journey, rather than giving to everyone you know
-Making your Purim seuda (meal) an intimate, romantic one instead of filled with tons of people and lots of noise
Connect with Dr. Shulman:
-Check out Chana on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chani Ziggy-Hasis, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-All the crazy things people ask you and what you can say back to them
-Her marriage and three year old son, and the comments that just keep coming and coming
-Practical suggestions about how to respond, while keeping your dignity, but definitely putting them in their place
Connect with Chani:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rabbi Idit Solomon, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her own story of infertility and loss, which ignited her passion to help others going through similar struggles
-How she founded Hasidah while still in her fertility years, with the mission of helping people financially with their treatments
-Her organization, which provides awareness and advocacy, emotional and spiritual care, in addition to the funding
Connect with Rabbi Solomon:
-Check out Hasidah’s website
-Follow them on Facebook
-Follow them on Twitter
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rabbi Yosef Shapiro, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-His journey through infertility
-What led him to write the book “In It Together”
-Why he wants to aid other struggling families
Connect with Rabbi Shapiro:
-Check out his book In It Together
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaya Hott, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-A clot diagnosed in her teens
-Dealing with osteoporosis in her twenties
-Being mismanaged by multiple medical providers
-Her story of heartbreak with her stillbirth
-How she dealt with the pain and the grief
-What kind of support she sought and what was helpful
-How she dealt with her faith in Gd during those hardships
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Eran Amir, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-The process of combing Google to find an IVF clinic, egg donor and surrogate to have his first child
-His realization that there must be a better way
-How he created a way to help other intended parents avoid the complexity and confusion he experienced
-The myriad of services that GoStork provides and what’s on the horizon for this incredible company
Connect with GoStork:
-Follow them on Instagram
-Check out their website
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Monica Bivas, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her journey with IVF, stillbirth, suicidal thoughts, miscarriage and being on the brink of a divorce
-Her time as a Mindset and Holistic Fertility Coach
-Her remarkable story about her fertility and personal struggles
-How her Rabbi, family and community helped through those dark moments
-How she was finally able to heal from all her pain
Connect with Monica:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Wendy Litner, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her fertility journey
-What led her to embark on a writing career
-How she turned to adoption
-How her Jewish background was sometimes comforting and sometimes not, as she was trying to have a baby
Connect with Wendy:
-Follow her on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Cynthia Darrison, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-The hurdles to adopt a baby girl from China
-How her community accepted her daughter, Rachel, and what advice she gives to would-be singles and couples wanting to adopt
-Resources to turn to such as Orphan Doctor and JCCA
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Michele Katz, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her own journey to adopt two children (one as an infant and another at the age of 8)
-How she immersed them into her own family which includes two biological children
-Some of the common questions one has about the adoption process
-Myths surrounding adoption and exposes the truth
-Her thoughts about integrating children into a new country, religion and culture
Connect with Michele:
-Follow Michele on Instagram
-Check out her website
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Zoe Clark-Coates, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her heartbreaking fertility journey
-Her role in one of the most successful campaigns to change government policy around these issues
-The four books she has written for those who are grieving
Connect with Zoe:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
-Take a look at her books
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Dan Nayot, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Reopening post-COVID-19 shutdown
-Getting second opinions
-What unexplained infertility really means
-Day 3 vs day 5 transfers
-Genetics testing
-Recurrent miscarriages
Connect with Dr. Nayot:
-Follow him on Instagram
-Check out his website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Yettie Katz, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her change of heart when debating adoption
-The circumstances surrounding each adoption
-A window into some of the differences in state laws
-The emotional aspects that she went through with her husband
-What her kids experience and continue to experience
Connect with Yettie:
-Follow Yettie on Instagram
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-Check out our website
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-Check out our Facebook page
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Breindy and Tamar, join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-How to handle the holidays when you’re struggling
-How to deal with pregnant family members that you’re spending the holiday with
-What to do about those insensitive friends and family members
-How to support someone that is struggling
Connect with Breindy and Tamar:
-Follow Breindy on Instagram
-Follow Tamar on Instagram
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Michael Werner, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Medical options for male infertility patients
-ESSM, sperm mapping, and more
-Azoospermia and how those with this diagnosis actually do have viable sperm that can be found through various techniques
Connect with Dr. Werner:
-Follow Maze Men’s Sexual Health on Instagram
-Learn more about Dr. Werner
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-Check out our website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chaya Halon-Weinberg, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her experience with secondary infertility
-How she dealt with her pain being surrounded by others in her family/community who were popping out babies
-The nicest thing that someone did for her during her journey
-Why she’s finally opening up about her story after all these years
Connect with Chaya:
-Follow her on Instagram
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-Check out our website
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-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Betty Gulko, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Boundaries regarding sharing your fertility journey
-How she approaches these discussions in her life
-Her struggle with endometriosis
Connect with Betty:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Kat Vellos, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Tips and suggestions as to how to make and keep meaningful friendships in our lives
-Her book “We Should Get Together”
-How to maintain your friendships with those who knew you “before.”
-How to approach someone in your life that is struggling
Connect with Kat:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
-Buy her book
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-Check out our website
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-Watch our videos on YouTube
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chavie Bruk, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Dealing with unmet expectations and how to have a mindset shift
-Leaning in and feeling the pain
-The good and hard things about being an adoptive parent
-How to raise a biracial child and dealing with racism
Connect with Chavie:
-Follow her on Instagram
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-Check out our website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Chavi Karkowsky, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Why one would need a MFM even before getting pregnant
-A pre-viable pregnancy and how a patient and her doctors can tell that “story” to make sure it’s one that the mother is comfortable with in the moment and in the months and years ahead
-When it’s hard for a care team to change their narratives about a patient
-Her book “High Risk: Stories of Pregnancy, Birth, and the Unexpected"
Connect with Dr. Karkowsky:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Marion Haberman, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -Making Jewish experiences more meaningful and personal
-Her new book, “Expecting Jewish”
-Her own personal experiences with miscarriage and pregnancy
Connect with Marion:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Buy her book
-Check out her website
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-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Sydney and Brit Sharon, join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -Their lives and their journey to build their family
-Their IUI process, how they picked their donor sperm, and why they loved that process
-The legality of having two moms and what that might mean for their children
Connect with Sydney and Brit:
-Follow them on Instagram
-Check out their blog
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Elissa Hellman, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her training regarding sensitivity to her infertility and loss patients
-What she’s learned to say and never to say
-The patients that have stayed in her mind even years later
Connect with Dr. Hellman:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Amy Klein, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her new book, “The Trying Game”
-Her own journey
-How she learned about infertility and brought knowledge to others
Connect with Amy:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
-Buy her book
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Shy Krug, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-How to communicate more effectively with your partner/spouse during the fertility years
-What to do when you disagree with your partner
-How struggles lead to issues with intimacy
-Practical suggestions and ideas to make your relationship more meaningful and connected
Connect with Dr. Krug:
-Follow him on Instagram
-Check out his website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Daniela Weiss-Bronstein and Chari Pere, join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -Chari’s creative process
-How she picks and chooses what will be most relevant for her audience
-The emotions and turmoil with Dani, as she shares the moment she found out there was a 99% change her son would have Down Syndrome
-The rest of her pregnancy as she grieved and eventually came to terms with his diagnosis
-How she responds when people are mean or inconsiderate of his needs/looks
-What advice she would give to someone who finds out about this diagnosis in their child
Connect with Daniela:
-Follow Daniela on Instagram
-Check out her website
Connect with Chari:
-Follow Chari on Instagram
-Check out Chari’s website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shevi Samet, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Niddah in regard to infertility and loss
-The feelings that arise surrounding Niddah
Please note: This episode presumes a certain baseline of knowledge of the laws of taharas hamishpacha (laws of family purity)
Connect with Shevi:
-Follow Shevi on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chiemi Rajamahendran, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Anxiety during uncertain times
-How to keep ourselves grounded
-What to do when our partners are not exactly in the same place as we are
Connect with Chiemi:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out Chiemi’s resources
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Tamar Ben Tzvi, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Losing her father at a young age
-Battling numerous medical challenges
-Her infertility journey
-Why she went public with her diagnosis and how she decided to get healthy before trying to bring a child into this world
Connect with Tamar:
-Follow her on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Myriam Steinberg, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her path to motherhood through many twists and turns
-Trying to find a partner, starting the fertility journey, donor sperm, IUI, IVF, egg donors, multiple miscarriages, a TFMR, preterm delivery, a NICU stay, and finally the birth of her twins
-Her graphic novel which aims to help others feel less alone as they go through the process
Connect with Miriam:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out her website
-Buy her book
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Yehudit Kosowsky, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Tokophobia (the fear of getting pregnant)
-How tokophobia affected her journey
-Her story about overcoming her fears
Connect with Yehudit:
-Follow Yehudit on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Malki Rodal, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her triplet pregnancy
-The death of her twin daughters
-The miraculous birth of her son.
-Her experiences and how one can cope with the simultaneous emotions of grief and joy
Connect with us:
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dana Sicherman, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -Her journey with PCOS
-How she "took back" her life
-Her outlook about her diagnosis
Connect with Dana:
-Follow her on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rachel Reichblum, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her journey through the world of grief
-The universality of grief
-How religion affected her thoughts and choices post-loss and everything in between
Connect with Rachel:
-Find Rachel on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Naomi Marmon Grumet, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Practical tools and suggestions to use when dealing with fertility challenges
-Thinking about each dip with a different focus (past, present, future)
-Bringing a comforting friend with you, get your husband involved
- The Birkat Emunah, specifically designed to aid those with fertility challenges, as they think about mikvah and its practices
Connect with Eden Center:
-Find them on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Jessica Zucker, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her traumatic personal story of miscarriage
-How her experience spurred her to create a narrative
-The intersection of her clinical work and her pregnancy loss
-How she felt alone, forgotten and isolated by her Jewish community
-Her new book, “I Had a Miscarriage: A Memoir, A Movement”
Connect with Dr. Jessica Zucker:
-Buy her book on Amazon
-Check out her website
-Follow her on Instagram
-Find her on Twitter
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rabbi Segelman from PUAH, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-The history behind the laws regarding infertility
-The general basics of egg donation, sperm donation, and surrogacy
-The issues surrounding third party reproduction
-Questions from viewers
Connect with Rabbi Segelman:
-Email him at Esegelman@puahfertility.org
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Leah and Michaela, join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-How they were diagnosed
-How this illness affected fertility and the number of children they wanted to have
-How they handled the emotional aspects of living with and managing chronic pain
-Why they opened up about their story on social media
-Things that have helped them through the years
Connect with our Guests:
-Follow Leah on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Carrie Bornstein, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-How she rose through the ranks
-Finding personal meaning in immersion ceremonies and practices
-Becoming a gestational carrier herself
-What a typical visit would include and why one would seek out a mikveh
-The “Fertility Journeys Healing Guide” for those struggling.
Connect with Mayyim Hayyim:
-Check out their website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Sara Blum, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -Becoming a single mother to her “delicious son”
-Her entire story, from the years of being single, to freezing her eggs and beyond
-Deciding to become a single parent without her parents’ support
-All of the hoops and hurdles in order to bring a child into this world
Connect with us:
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Yettie Katz, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -Her 25 years of infertility
-Her challenges and adoption process
-The things that made her feel comforted over the years
-The things that were hard
-The difference between jealousy and envy
Connect with Yettie:
-Follow Yettie on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Caryn Peiser, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -Her work funding fertility treatments for those who are struggling to have a child
-The donations they have given thus far
-Quarterly support group to provide more wraparound support for their families
-Priya Fund in Dallas and Kansas City
Connect with Priya:
-Check out their website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Linny Stone, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -How she met her husband
-How she advocated for herself to her doctors
-Her recurrent pregnancy loss
-Her traumatic experience
Connect with Linny:
-Follow her on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Adelle Bryski, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her pain and struggle with primary infertility
-A window into what her life is like
-Her Instagram account
-Why she shares freely
-Making “one world” of awareness
Connect with Adelle:
-Follow Adelle on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chumi Friedman, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Different aspects of stillbirth support, in relation to Jewish law
-Decisions and choices that a couple grapples with from the moment they receive the bad news
-What they might be facing in the weeks and months ahead
-What the family, friends and community can do (and NOT do) to support the grieving couple
-How to help them cope with this horrific loss
Connect with Chumi:
-Find Chumi on LinkedIn
-Follow A Time on Instagram
-Check out A Time’s website
-Connect with A Time on Facebook
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Bat-Sheva Lerner Maslow, MD, MSCTR, FACOG, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Infertility
-Egg freezing
-The right time to freeze eggs
-What medical science knows about who might become infertile
-How women and families feel going through the process
Connect with Dr. Bat-Sheva Lerner Maslow:
-Follow her on Instagram
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-Read more about Dr. Bat-Sheva Lerner Maslow
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rochel Lazar, editor-in-chief of Nashim Magazine, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her personal fertility journey
-How shidduchim (matchmaking) in the Jewish community played a role in the secrecy
-How she got comfortable talking about taboo topics
-How "helping just one person" drives her every single day
Connect with Rochel:
-Read more about Rochel
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Reva Judas, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her fertility journey
-How and why she started the organization
-Programs and services they offer
-How she answers the question, “How many children do you have?”
Connect with NechamaComfort:
-Check out their website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dvora Entin, LCSW, PMH-C, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-The isolation of infertility and loss
-How to be helpful when someone is suffering
-The unique pain of secondary infertility
Connect with Dvora:
-Check out her website
-Send Dvora an email dentinlcsw@gmail.com
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Aliza Abrams Konig, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her experience getting married as an older single
-Not being able to have children when she wanted
-How to get through rough patches
-Keeping a sense of self and sanity
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Elana Frank, CEO and Founder of the Jewish Fertility Foundation, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her countless IUI and IVF cycles
-Her embryo donation
-How and why JFF was started
Connect with Jewish Fertility Foundation:
-Check out their website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Rachel Tuchman, LMHC, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Body compassion and acceptance
-How to advocate to your healthcare providers
-How to respond to body shamers
Connect with Rachel:
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-Find her on YouTube
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Sora Ruchel, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her fertility journey
-Her misdiagnosis of PCOS
-Her husband’s zero sperm count and what they did to find some
-Why she started talking about her story on social media
Connect with Sora:
-Follow her on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Ariele Mortkowitz, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Svivah
-The impact of community in response to fertility challenges
-The support from faith communities
-Pain, stigma, and isolation
Connect with Ariele and Svivah:
-Follow them on Instagram
-Check out their website
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Erin Bulcao, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -Her struggle to have a family
-The story of her marriage
-Her IUIs, IVF cycles, failed transfers, traumatic miscarriage, adenomyosis, selective reduction
Connect with Erin:
-Follow Erin on Instagram
-Check out her blog
-Get in contact with Erin
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Atara Eis, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-Her experience as the director of Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach Center and the U.S. Yoetzet Halacha Fellow Program
-What individuals and communities can do to make things easier
-Reframing the idea that all Mikva experiences should be beautiful
-Creating space for a woman to feel all her feelings
-Working with attendants and Rabbis to put policies and procedures in place for sensitivity
Connect with Nishmat:
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chumi Friedman, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -How A Time was founded
-Why A Time was founded
-How shame and guilt permeate someone’s fertility journey
-How we as a community can start to change those attitudes
Connect with A Time:
-Follow them on Instagram
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On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Eli Weinstein, LMSW, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about...
-His fertility journey
-Primary infertility due to a male and female factor
-How he coped with diagnosis and treatment
-Tips and suggestions he gives to his patients
-Self-care and support systems for men
Connect with Eli:
-Follow Eli on Instagram
-Check out Eli’s website
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-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Chavie Bruk, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about… -Her diagnosis of infertility -How she decided to accept this diagnosis and move forward in the adoption process
-The adoptions stories of her 5 children
Connect with Chavie:
-Follow her on Instagram
-Check out blog
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Check out our Facebook page
-Watch our videos on YouTube
-Follow us on TikTok
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Gila Block and Elie Salomon, join Aimee Baron, MD to talk about…
-How Yesh Tikva was founded
-Their personal stories
-Communal norms around infertility
-Common misconceptions
Connect with Yesh Tikva:
-Visit their website
-Connect on Instagram
-Find them on Facebook
-Check out their YouTube channel
Connect with us:
-Check out our website
-Follow us on Instagram and send us a message
-Connect with us on Facebook
-Check out our YouTube channel
-Watch our TikToks
-Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Elizabeth Savetsky, influencer and outspoken Jewish activist joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about: - Elizabeth’s experience with pregnancy loss
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Why she decided to go public with her story of pregnancy loss
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The launch of #reallovereallosee
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Her parents’ stillbirth and how their support affected the way she dealt with her failed pregnancies
CONNECT WITH ELIZABETH:
- On Instagram @lizzysavetsky
CONNECT WITH US:
-
Visit our website: https://iwassupposedtohaveababy.org/
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Follow us on Instagram @iwassupposedtohaveababy
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Follow us on TikTok @iwassupposedtohaveababy
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Connect with us on Facebook @iwassupposedtohaveababy
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Subscribe to our YouTube, I Was Supposed to Have a Baby
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Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Yonina Kaufman, LCSW, MSED, clinical director at @atimehug joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about: - What is typical in the grieving process
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How to support your friend or loved one
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How to manage triggers and pregnancy announcements
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How to know when you’re “grieving too much”
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All things related to grief
CONNECT WITH YONINA:
- On Instagram @yoninakaufman
CONNECT WITH US:
-
Visit our website: https://iwassupposedtohaveababy.org/
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Follow us on Instagram @iwassupposedtohaveababy
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Follow us on TikTok @iwassupposedtohaveababy
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Connect with us on Facebook @iwassupposedtohaveababy
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Subscribe to our YouTube, I Was Supposed to Have a Baby
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Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Shevi Samet joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about: - How to navigate the emotions of pregnancy after loss
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The risk/benefit analysis of whether to try again vis-a-vas the toll it takes on you, your family, your marriage
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The trauma that can cause dissociation from your baby, even after birth
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How to navigate this piece together with your husband
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Reaching out for comfort, support from friends/family, etc.
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Acknowledge that this is really HARD and therapy/medication can be crucial to getting through this time.
CONNECT WITH SHEVI:
- On Instagram @itsalearninglife
CONNECT WITH US:
-
Visit our website: https://iwassupposedtohaveababy.org/
-
Follow us on Instagram @iwassupposedtohaveababy
-
Follow us on TikTok @iwassupposedtohaveababy
-
Connect with us on Facebook @iwassupposedtohaveababy
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Subscribe to our YouTube, I Was Supposed to Have a Baby
-
Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus, LSCW, MPH, PHD, founder and clinical director of Maze Women’s Sexual Health, joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about: - Some of the intimacy challenges that can arise as couples struggle with their fertility
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What can lead to intimacy difficulties
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How to overcome challenges with intimacy
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Self-care in relationships
CONNECT WITH DR. BAT SHEVA MARCUS:
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Visit Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus’ website
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On Instagram @drbatsheva
CONNECT WITH US:
-
Visit our website: https://iwassupposedtohaveababy.org/
-
Follow us on Instagram @iwassupposedtohaveababy
-
Follow us on TikTok @iwassupposedtohaveababy
-
Connect with us on Facebook @iwassupposedtohaveababy
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Subscribe to our YouTube, I Was Supposed to Have a Baby
-
Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Esty Perman @estyperman joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about: - Her journey
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What she chooses to share on social media
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How her family reacted to her going “public”
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What she wishes she knew before starting this journey
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Things she wished others knew about infertility
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How to support others and how niddah impacts fertility
CONNECT WITH ESTY:
- On Instagram @estyperman
CONNECT WITH US:
-
Visit our website: https://iwassupposedtohaveababy.org/
-
Follow us on Instagram @iwassupposedtohaveababy
-
Follow us on TikTok @iwassupposedtohaveababy
-
Connect with us on Facebook @iwassupposedtohaveababy
-
Subscribe to our YouTube, I Was Supposed to Have a Baby
-
Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
On this episode of Talking Away The Taboo, Karen Jeffries @hilariously_infertile joins Aimee Baron, MD to talk about: - Being a teacher during the pandemic
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How she uses comedy to help her through difficult times
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Her books and her journey to become the well known and loved Instagram personality
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Her personal experiences with infertility
CONNECT WITH KAREN:
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On Instagram @hilariously_infertile
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Grab a copy of Karen’s book, Hilariously Infertile
CONNECT WITH US:
-
Visit our website: https://iwassupposedtohaveababy.org/
-
Follow us on Instagram @iwassupposedtohaveababy
-
Follow us on TikTok @iwassupposedtohaveababy
-
Connect with us on Facebook @iwassupposedtohaveababy
-
Subscribe to our YouTube, I Was Supposed to Have a Baby
-
Email us at info@iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
Are you grieving a pregnancy loss? Are you dealing with infertility? Do you want to learn more about how to help someone who is? You've landed in the right place.
We utilize social media to create a supportive space for anyone in the Jewish community struggling to have a child AND to teach everyone else how to be more sensitive.
We love feedback! Do you have a topic you’d like to see us cover? Contact us on our website at iwassupposedtohaveababy.org
To learn more about our work, follow us on instagram @iwassupposedtohaveababy or tiktok @iwassupposedtohaveababy